My child is bilingual (English + Mandarin). Could that explain the speech delay?

Bilingualism does not cause speech delay. While bilingual children may have a slightly different vocabulary distribution across their languages, their total vocabulary (across all languages combined) should still meet developmental milestones. Research from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and local studies confirm this. If your child's combined word count across both languages is low, it's worth getting a proper assessment.

The paediatrician said to “wait and see” — should I?

"Wait and see" can be appropriate — but only with a clear plan and a set review date. The brain is most receptive to learning in the first three years of life. If your instinct says something is off, trust it. Getting an assessment doesn't mean labelling your child. It means getting clarity. And if everything is fine, you'll have peace of mind. If something does need support, early intervention can make a profound difference.

My child watches and has a lot of screen time. Is that causing the delay?

Excessive screen time can reduce the quality and quantity of face-to-face interaction, which is the primary driver of language development. The Singapore Health Hub guidelines recommend no screen time before 18 months (except video calls) and limited supervised time from 18–24 months. If screen time has been high, reducing it and increasing interactive play is a good starting point — but it doesn't replace a professional assessment if you have concerns.

What’s the difference between Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) refers to when a child is significantly below expected milestones in two or more developmental domains — it's a descriptive term used before age 5 while the cause is still being established. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviours. A child can have GDD without ASD, ASD without significant GDD, or both. A multidisciplinary assessment is the only reliable way to distinguish these. BtG's team works with both, and with many other diagnoses too — every child's profile is different.

How do I access the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) in Singapore?

In Singapore, the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) is a government-funded programme for children aged 0–6 with developmental needs, administered by SG Enable. Children are referred by a developmental paediatrician, polyclinic doctor, or hospital after a formal assessment. Subsidies are income-tiered. At Bridging the Gap, we work alongside the EIPIC framework and support families through the referral process. Contact us to find out more.

Bridging the Gap at the City Square Mall Education Fair 2026

Education Fair in City Square Mall, Level 4 held on 20–21 June 2026

Bridging the Gap was pleased to participate in the Education Fair held on 20–21 June 2026 at Gastro Square, Level 4, City Square Mall, as part of the City Square Mall June School Holiday campaign. The two-day event brought together families, educators, and community partners to explore educational opportunities and support services for children.

Supporting Every Child’s Unique Journey

Throughout the event, our team shared how Bridging the Gap supports children with diverse learning and developmental needs through our personalised and multidisciplinary approach. Parents and caregivers had the opportunity to learn about our Early Intervention Programme, After-school Care (ASC) Programme, and the wide range of services we offer. We also shared how we work closely with families to nurture each child’s communication, learning, social, behavioural, and daily living skills, empowering them to achieve meaningful progress and greater independence.

Families, parents, and caregivers stopped by our booth to learn how Bridging the Gap supports every child’s development.

Exploring Therapy and Educational Resources

Families and guests visited our booth to learn more about the therapy and educational services. Our teachers shared information about developmental milestones, school readiness, and the importance of early intervention. Some parents also completed Bridging the Gap’s Developmental Quizzes, which helped them better understand their child’s developmental strengths and identify areas where additional support may be beneficial. Through these conversations, families gained practical knowledge and discovered how Bridging the Gap can support their child’s learning and development.

Therapy and Educational Resources at the Bridging the Gap Booth

Enjoying a Family-Friendly Event

In addition to the educational exhibits, visitors enjoyed a variety of intermission performances and family-friendly activities throughout the event. The lively atmosphere created a wonderful opportunity for families to learn, connect, and enjoy meaningful experiences together during the school holidays.

Eco Mama, City Square Mall’s official sustainability mascot, brought smiles and excitement to the Education Fair, entertaining families and creating a fun, engaging atmosphere.

Featured on UFM100.3 Live

A special highlight of the event was Bridging the Gap’s feature during the UFM100.3 Live Radio Activation on 20 June 2026. During the live broadcast, we introduced Bridging the Gap as an Early Intervention Centre dedicated to supporting children with diverse developmental needs. We showcased our comprehensive range of Programmes and Services, including the Early Intervention Programme, After-school Care Programme, School Readiness Programme, Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Therapy, Social Skills Training, Playgroup, Nursery, Shadow Support, and the Bullyproof Programme.

We also highlighted our three (3) centres across Singapore: City Square Mall (Farrer Park), The Rochester Mall (Buona Vista), and Parkway Parade (Marine Parade), making our services more accessible to families across the island. The radio feature provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of early intervention and connect with more families seeking quality support for their children’s developmental journey.

Teacher Gheetha introducing Bridging the Gap and our Programmes and Services to the UFM100.3 live DJ.

We are grateful to City Square Mall, the event organisers, and UFM100.3 for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, we look forward to continuing to support children and families on their developmental journey.

Bridging the Gap teachers, all smiles and ready to welcome families at the Education Fair!

As Bridging the Gap continues to expand our reach, we welcome families to explore our comprehensive range of programmes and services. Our team is here to provide professional guidance and work in partnership with families to support every child’s developmental journey.

To check the full highlight of the event, click on this link:
https://tinyurl.com/BtGCSMEducFairRecap

Reach out to us today to book a centre tour or learn more about our Programmes and Services: https://bridgingthegap.com.sg/contact-us/