
SPEECH WITH MIA
Supporting Children Growing Up with More Than One Language
Multilingual development is not niche for me — it is my lived experience.
Many families wonder whether speaking two (or more) languages is confusing their child, whether they should drop their home language, or whether what they’re noticing is a cause for concern or simply part of bilingual development. If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. Growing up with multiple languages is a gift — but when worries arise, it can feel overwhelming. My role is to help you feel clear, confident and supported.
My approach is shaped by both personal and professional experience. I grew up bilingual (French and Brazilian Portuguese) and later learned Spanish and English. I'm now a parent and raise two multilingual children. I understand the beauty and complexity of multilingual families — the language switching, the cultural layers, and the desire to preserve heritage while making sure your child thrives. As a speech pathologist trained at the University of Sydney, I combine evidence-based practice with lived experience to support families in a way that is informed, respectful and practical.
What Makes Multilingual Development Different?
Children learning more than one language may:
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Mix languages in the same sentence
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Have stronger skills in one language than another
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Take slightly longer to build vocabulary in each individual language
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Use grammar patterns from one language in another
These are often normal parts of bilingual development — not signs of a disorder. However, sometimes genuine speech or language difficulties can occur in any language. The key is understanding and knowing how to differentiate.
How I Support Multilingual Families?
When possible, I gather information across all languages your child is exposed to — not just English.
This may include:
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Parent interviews
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Language samples
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Collaboration with teachers
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Dynamic assessment approaches
The goal is to determine whether we are seeing:
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A language difference
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A true delay
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Or a speech sound difficulty