Why I Don’t Believe in the “Wait and See” Approach for Speech Delays

Why I Don’t Believe in the “Wait and See” Approach for Speech Delays

Many parents of toddlers and preschoolers hear the advice: “Let’s wait and see.” Maybe your pediatrician says children “grow out of it,” or a well-meaning family member reassures you not to worry.

While this advice may sound comforting, waiting can mean missing the most important window for growth. As a speech-language pathologist in Commerce Township serving families across Metro Detroit, I don’t believe in the “wait and see” approach for speech delays. Here’s why early action matters.

Why Early Language Matters

Speech and language are the foundation for:

• Communicating wants, needs, and ideas

• Building social skills and friendships

• Developing literacy and academic readiness

• Growing confidence and independence

Research shows that children who receive early intervention for speech delays are much more likely to catch up than those who wait.

Not Every “Late Talker” Catches Up

It’s true that some children begin talking later without lasting difficulties—but many do not. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict which group your child will fall into.

If a child still struggles when school begins, even a small delay can affect:

• Reading and writing development

• Participation in the classroom

• Self-esteem and social interactions

This is why “wait and see” often leads to children starting kindergarten already behind.

Why Early Support Helps

There is no downside to starting speech therapy early. Services for toddlers and preschoolers are:

• Play-based and fun

• Focused on everyday routines

• Designed to empower families with strategies

• Individualized for your child’s unique needs

On the other hand, delaying help can lead to frustration, behavior challenges, and missed opportunities during a child’s most flexible learning years.

Parents Know Their Child Best

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this speech delay normal?”—trust your instincts. Parents are often the first to notice when something feels off.

Seeking an evaluation doesn’t automatically mean your child will need ongoing therapy. It simply provides reassurance, answers, and a plan for moving forward.

Why I Don’t “Wait and See”

At Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy, my philosophy is simple: every child deserves the best chance to thrive. Acting early gives children the strongest foundation to bloom into confident communicators.

Serving Families in Commerce Township and Metro Detroit

Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy provides in-home, community-based, and virtual services for families in Commerce Township, Novi, Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and throughout Oakland County and Metro Detroit.

If you’re worried about your child’s speech or language development, you don’t need to wait and see. Reach out here to get started.

Want more tips like this? Stay connected here to receive occasional speech & language resources from Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy

Noticing Communication Differences? Here’s When Support May Help

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