Music and early communication
A child may vocalise in a song before they will in conversation. That is useful. It is not a replacement for speech therapy, and it is not a promise of words.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed September 2026
What gets practised
A look at the start. A sound on the beat. Choosing more or stop. Mahnoor’s communication page: how she builds communication. Speech pillar: speech therapy.
Late talking
If talking is the worry, start with speech delay as well. Music can sit beside that plan, not instead of it.
A slot to fill
The useful part of a song is the pause. You sing, you wait, they look or reach or sound, you continue. That is requesting. Mahnoor: communication. Speech: speech therapy.
Late talking still needs a hearing check if it has not been done. Coaching can watch the pause: coaching for late talkers.
Two languages in the same song
We count communication across Urdu and English. A mix in one song is normal in Multan homes. We do not ask you to pick a language and drop the other.
Singing is not speech therapy
It can open vocal play. Understanding, sounds and stammering still sit with speech therapy. Count both languages in the same song.
The idea behind the work (in the books)
The useful part of a song is the pause. That is requesting, not a concert.
Hanen — wait for the look
You sing, you wait, they look or reach or sound, you continue. We are not a certified Hanen centre.
Mundy — joint attention in a verse
A shared look on the drum beat is the floor under a word.
What the research tells us
This isn’t just our opinion — it’s grounded in published research. Here are a few findings from trusted, independent sources:
A Cochrane review of parent-mediated early intervention (17 trials, 919 children) found strong evidence that parent–child interaction changes — more shared attention, more parent synchrony. Evidence that the child’s own language and adaptive skills change was smaller and less certain.
— Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Oono, Honey and McConachie (2013), CD009774. View sourceA 2022 Cochrane review of 26 studies found moderate-certainty evidence that music therapy delivered by music therapists is associated with global improvement and better quality of life. It found no clear difference for social interaction or verbal communication at that time point. Inclusive does not employ a registered music therapist.
— Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Geretsegger et al. (2022), CD004381. View source
Take a worksheet home
Print one sheet. Fill it in this week. Bring it to the consultation — a consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
First-words picture cards
Cut-out cards for late talkers. Name, wait, celebrate any try.
Requesting cards
Help, more, finished, stop, my turn, can I play — a faster ask than screaming.
Book a consultation
Contact owner Muhammad Salman Afzal first. No referral needed. A consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
Communication — questions parents ask
Is singing with my child enough?
It is a start. Coaching can watch you pause so they have a slot to request. Parent coaching.
Which language should the songs be in?
The language they hear most at home. Urdu, English, or both. We count communication across both.
Is singing enough, or do we still need speech therapy?
Singing can open vocal play. It is not a replacement for speech therapy when understanding, sounds or stammering are the wall.
Will this make my non-speaking child talk?
It can open vocal play. It is not a promise of words. Cochrane found no clear difference for verbal communication even in programmes run by music therapists.
Ask about communication
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM