Children develop speech at different speeds, but a child who is not saying words by around 18 months, not joining words by 2 years, or is hard to understand may have a speech or language delay. Hearing, development and autism should be checked early.
When to look into it
- Few or no words by 18 months
- No two-word phrases by age 2
- Not responding to their name or to simple instructions
- Losing words they once had (see a doctor promptly)
- Hard to understand by age 3
First steps
A hearing test and a developmental assessment by a paediatrician, followed by speech and language therapy. Talking, reading and playing with your child every day, and limiting screen time, help.
What The Tole can offer
Gentle acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as supportive care alongside therapy. We do not claim to speed up speech or to treat the cause. Research is limited. We talk to parents about every step and go at the child’s pace.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, in the way developed by our founder, Dato’ Leong Hong Tole. Master Tole is the founder of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder, and the treatment is based on his own technique and on the family’s ancestral formulas. His team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs.
Treatment at The Tole is used together with your medical treatment, to support your recovery. We never ask anyone to stop the care their doctor has advised.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
Please consult before you buy. Before you purchase any TheTole herbs, including TheTole neuro brain powder, we recommend consulting Dato’ Tole or his team first, so that you receive the correct prescription for your condition.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- Founded by Dato’ Master Leong Hong Tole, creator of TheTole neuro acupuncture and TheTole neuro brain powder
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
Will my child catch up?
Many late talkers do, but some need therapy. Early assessment gives the best chance of getting support.
Is it autism?
It can be a sign, but not always. A paediatrician can assess. See our autism page.
Can acupuncture help my child speak?
We cannot promise this. Some families use it as support. Speech therapy remains the core.
See a doctor first if
- Any loss of words or skills the child once had
- No response to sounds, or suspected hearing loss
- Limited eye contact or play
- Delay along with other developmental delays
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. Used together with your doctor’s treatment, it aims to support your recovery. Responses vary from person to person, and no particular result can be promised. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.