The Risks of the "Wait and See" Approach and Delays in Speech Therapy

As a parent, caregiver, or educator, it’s natural to wonder whether a child’s speech and language delay is something they will outgrow. The "wait and see" approach—choosing to delay intervention in the hope that a child will naturally catch up—can feel like a reasonable choice, especially if others around you suggest that children develop at their own pace. However, research and clinical experience tell us that early intervention is key to supporting communication development. Waiting too long can mean missed opportunities for growth.

Why Do Some People Choose the Wait and See Approach?

There are several reasons why families and professionals may hesitate to seek early intervention:

• Belief that the child is just a "late talker" and will catch up on their own.

• Family history of late talking with eventual normal development.

• Strengths in other areas (e.g., strong motor skills, good social engagement) that make speech delays seem less concerning.

• The misconception that boys develop language later than girls, leading to unnecessary delays in seeking support.

Why This Approach Can Be Risky and Worsen the Delay

While some children do catch up without intervention, many do not. Delaying action can have lasting consequences, including:

✅ Missed Early Intervention Window – The brain is most adaptable to learning language in the first five years. If therapy is delayed, a child may struggle more to make progress later.

✅ Underlying Disorders May Go Unnoticed – Some children have speech or language disorders (e.g., developmental language disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, autism spectrum disorder) that will not resolve on their own.

✅ Social and Academic Impact – Difficulty communicating can lead to frustration, behavioral challenges, trouble making friends, and struggles in school.

✅ Loss of Valuable Time – If a delay is present, early intervention can make a significant difference in helping a child catch up to peers.

What’s Recommended Instead?

Rather than waiting, take proactive steps to monitor and support your child’s communication development:

🔹 Schedule a Speech-Language Screening/Evaluation – A quick assessment by an SLP can help determine if further evaluation is needed.

🔹 Explore Early Intervention Services – Many programs offer free or low-cost evaluations and services for young children.

🔹 Educate Yourself as a Parent or Caregiver – Learning strategies to encourage language at home can be incredibly beneficial.

🔹 Re-Evaluate if Needed – If a child isn’t meeting milestones but isn’t severe enough for therapy yet, periodic check-ins with an SLP can track progress.

Take Action Today!

If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, don’t wait—seek guidance from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) today. Early support can make all the difference in helping your child build strong communication skills for life.

📞 Contact Sol Speech Therapy to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help!