Mohamed’s Journey with Speech Therapy
When Mohamed first arrived at Hope Speaks, communication was one of his biggest challenges. At just nine years old, his speech was severely limited and mostly incomprehensible due to cerebral palsy, making it difficult for him to express his needs and emotions. His mobility challenges also made alternative forms of communication, like gestures, nearly impossible. Frustration and misunderstandings were part of his daily life.
Concerned for her son’s future, Mohamed’s mother sought help and brought him in for a speech and language assessment. After a thorough assessment, the therapist diagnosed him with expressive language difficulty. From here, he received special speech therapy for cerebral palsy to help Mohamed find his voice.
Through interactive play, articulation drills, and oral facial exercises, Mohamed worked to build his receptive and expressive language skills, strengthen his speech muscles, and improve breath control. But progress wasn’t immediate—initial sessions were met with tears and hesitation. His therapists, recognizing his frustration, turned sessions into moments of joy with singing, storytelling, and engaging games. Slowly, Mohamed’s reluctance gave way to curiosity and participation, and learning became enjoyable.
With consistent speech therapy for cerebral palsy, affirmation, and encouragement, his confidence grew, and he began to engage and interact. His vocabulary expanded, he became more understandable, and he learned to express his emotions with both familiar and unfamiliar communication partners.
Through our charity work in Uganda Mohamed was able to gain access to the care and support he needed. Visual cards helped him better comprehend concepts, enhancing his overall receptive language skills. Most importantly, the ability to communicate reduced his frustration and tantrums, opening new opportunities for connection and learning. These services, provided by Hope Speaks and our speech therapy volunteer opportunities, help children like Mohamed receive care.
Today, Mohamed is a thriving nine-year-old, continuing to build his receptive and expressive language skills. His journey is a powerful reminder of the perseverance, consistency, and the incredible impact of speech therapy for cerebral palsy.
About Hope Speaks
Hope Speaks is a nonprofit organization that focuses on charity work in Uganda through speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical care, and psychosocial support for families in Uganda.
With help from donors and advocates, we’re able to give children with disabilities the support and care they need. Hope Speaks also provides training to Ugandans through speech therapy volunteer opportunities. These nonprofit volunteer opportunities strengthen our community and empower local therapists and caregivers to better the lives of children and families in need.
We have been able to help kids like Mohamed improve their receptive and expressive language skills by giving them access to speech therapy for cerebral palsy.
Learn how to donate to Uganda and give a child the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
