Noticing Communication Differences? Here’s When Support May Help
Wondering if your child might need speech therapy? Learn common signs, key milestones, and how to decide if support could help—without pressure.
Is Speech Therapy Right for My Child? Here’s What to Look For
Noticing differences in your child’s communication? Here’s how to explore support—without pressure or panic.
Every child develops communication skills in their own way and on their own timeline. It’s common for parents to wonder:
Is this typical? Should we wait and see? Would support help?
You don’t need a diagnosis or an IEP to ask questions or seek answers. Private speech and language therapy is a way to explore support that’s collaborative, individualized, and designed to meet your child where they are.
Here are some signs that speech therapy may be helpful:
Speech Sound Development
Your child may:
Be harder to understand than peers of the same age
Use substitutions or approximations for certain sounds (e.g., “wabbit” for “rabbit”)
Avoid certain words or get frustrated when not understood
Speech therapy can support your child in building clearer speech, increasing their confidence, and finding joy in communication.
Understanding and Expressing Language
Your child may:
Seem unsure when following directions
Use fewer words or shorter sentences than expected for their age
Have difficulty answering questions or telling stories
Struggle to explain their ideas, even when they seem to know what they want to say
Therapy can provide space to grow these skills through connection, play, and meaningful interaction—not drills or pressure.
Social Interaction and Communication
Your child may:
Prefer solo play or have challenges with conversation flow
Miss subtle social cues or interpret language literally
Repeat phrases, focus on specific topics, or communicate in ways that are unique to them
These are not deficits—they're differences. Therapy can help build flexibility, understanding, and comfort navigating social spaces, while honoring the ways your child communicates best.
What About Milestones?
While all children develop at their own pace, here are some general markers that may help you reflect on your child’s current communication:
By age 2: Uses at least 50 words, combines 2 words, follows simple directions
By age 3: Speech is understood by familiar and unfamiliar listeners most of the time
By age 4–5: Uses full sentences, tells simple stories, answers “wh” questions
At any age: Frequent frustration when trying to communicate or not being understood may be a sign that support could help
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones—or if you just have a gut feeling something is off—it’s okay to explore further. Early support can make a big difference in confidence and connection.
When to Seek Support
You don’t need to wait for a certain milestone—or a school referral—to explore therapy. If you’ve noticed communication challenges, or simply want guidance on how to support your child’s development, it’s okay to reach out.
Private therapy can begin at any time and can complement school services or provide support where none currently exists.
What Makes Bud to Blossom Different
My practice is built on respect, collaboration, and affirming care. I work with children and families to:
Build communication skills in ways that feel natural and empowering
Focus on connection, not correction
Honor each child’s learning style and identity
Therapy sessions are play-based, individualized, and designed to feel safe, engaging, and effective.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re in Commerce Township or the surrounding areas of Oakland County, I’d love to connect. Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy offers in-home and virtual speech services designed to support your child’s growth—at school, at home, and in the community.
Let’s talk about what support could look like for your family.
Reach out here
Trusted Speech Therapy Contracts for Southeast Michigan Schools
Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy provides contracted speech therapy services to schools across Southeast Michigan. We help districts stay IEP-compliant, reduce caseloads, and deliver high-quality support for students.
Schools across Southeast Michigan are facing an increasing demand for speech-language pathology services. Staffing shortages, heavy caseloads, and compliance pressures often make it challenging to provide students with the consistent support they need.
At Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy, I specialize in partnering with schools to deliver reliable, high-quality speech therapy services that help districts stay compliant and ensure students receive the services outlined in their IEPs.
Why Partner With Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy?
When you choose Bud to Blossom, you’re not working through an agency—you’re working directly with a local, experienced speech-language pathologist who is invested in your school’s success.
Here’s why schools across Southeast Michigan trust Bud to Blossom:
Extensive Experience: Over 15 years in speech-language pathology with 300+ IEP meetings attended.
Local Provider: Based in Commerce Township and serving Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Livingston, and Washtenaw Counties, I understand the unique needs of our local schools and families.
Consistent Support: One dedicated SLP who builds strong relationships with staff, students, and families—no rotating therapists or inconsistent service.
Collaboration-Focused: Direct communication with administrators and teachers to create a seamless experience.
Compliance & Expertise: Thorough documentation and IEP support that helps your district remain compliant while providing excellent student outcomes.
School-Based Speech Therapy Services
Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy provides:
Individual and group speech therapy sessions
IEP goal development and progress monitoring
IEP meeting attendance and case management
Support for articulation, language, AAC, and social communication skills
Teacher consultation and strategy training for classroom carryover
Proudly Serving Southeast Michigan
Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy proudly partners with schools in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Livingston, and Washtenaw Counties to deliver the support administrators and students need.
Ready to Partner With a Local SLP?
If your district is ready to work with a dedicated, Southeast Michigan-based speech-language pathologist who understands your needs and delivers consistent results, I’d love to connect.
Contact Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy today to discuss customized contract options for your school.
Back-to-School IEP Checklist: How to Start the Year Confident and Prepared
Feeling overwhelmed by IEP season? Download my free, easy-to-use IEP Checklist for Michigan parents and start the school year prepared and confident
The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but for parents of children with IEPs, it can also bring added stress and uncertainty. Between new teachers, schedules, and services, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if your child’s IEP is truly ready to support them.
That’s why I created a free IEP Checklist to help Michigan parents feel confident and organized as they head into the school year.
Why Back-to-School is the Perfect Time to Review Your Child’s IEP
An updated IEP is the foundation for your child’s success. As the school year begins, it’s important to:
Ensure the IEP is current and accurately reflects your child’s needs
Confirm that all services and accommodations are scheduled and in place
Establish communication with your child’s new teachers and support staff
Prepare any questions or concerns for upcoming meetings
Taking time now can help prevent issues later and set your child up for a smooth transition.
Your Free IEP Checklist
Our IEP Checklist for Michigan parents makes it simple to:
Review goals and accommodations
Organize important documents
Plan questions or concerns to address early in the year
Track key dates for meetings and progress updates
Download your free IEP Checklist here
How Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy Can Help
With over 15 years of experience and participation in more than 300 IEP meetings, I know how overwhelming this process can be. Whether you need help reviewing an IEP, preparing for a meeting, or advocating for services, I’m here to support you.
Have Questions or Need Extra Support?
If you’d like help reviewing your child’s IEP, preparing for meetings, or exploring speech therapy services, I’d love to connect.
Contact Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy here to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help.
Proudly Supporting Families Across Michigan
Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy is based in Commerce Township and serves families across Michigan through in-home and virtual speech therapy, IEP consulting, and advocacy.
Start the school year prepared and confident. Download your free IEP Checklist today and take the first step toward a successful year for your child.