Why ‘Wait and See’ is a Risky Strategy
There are no downsides to acting early
Parents sometimes end up delaying speech therapy for their children because they are told to “wait and see.” While it’s natural to hope a child will catch up on their own, research shows that waiting can be risky, especially when language milestones aren’t being met.
If a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or other healthcare professional suggests an assessment or treatment, even short-term intervention (including parent coaching) can make a meaningful difference. Acting early is not about assuming the worst, it’s about being proactive and preventing bigger challenges later.
Why waiting can make things harder
Speech and language skills build on one another. As we explored in our previous post, when early milestones are missed or significantly delayed, it often creates a cascade of further difficulties. A child who is not using enough words or combining words by the age of two may go on to struggle with longer sentences, understanding complex instructions, and expressing more abstract ideas as they grow.
Many children labelled as “late talkers” won’t fully catch up without support, particularly if difficulties persist past age three. Children who don’t receive early intervention are more likely to experience ongoing language, literacy, and social difficulties.
The effects go beyond language
The impact is not only on language Social and emotional development are tightly linked to communication. Children rely on language to express needs, share experiences, build friendships, and participate in group activities. When language is delayed, they may become frustrated, withdrawn, or misunderstood. Over time, this can contribute to behavioral challenges, social isolation, and emotional difficulties.
Research has also linked untreated language difficulties to later literacy problems, academic struggles, and even challenges in employment. Language is not just a childhood skill, it’s a lifelong tool for learning, working, and relating to others.
Why early intervention works
Critically, early childhood is a period of intense brain plasticity. During the first years of life, the brain is especially ready to learn, adapt, and course correct. When speech and language support is offered during this window, children often make faster and more meaningful gains in their language development. Waiting can result in difficulties becoming more entrenched and harder to change later on.
If concerns resolve or if treatment was initiated due to an abundance of caution, there are no ill-effects associated with “too much” speech therapy; on the contrary, children benefit from rich language experiences and parent coaching strategies even when a child’s speech and language development is ultimately within the typical range.
Choosing assessment and early intervention is not about assuming the worst; it is about giving a child the best chance to thrive. When a parent has concerns, investigating sooner rather than later is almost always the most effectivesafer and efficient way to support longterm speech and language development.
About Speakable Speech & Language
Founded in 2013 by Tamara Paull, M.Sc., SLP(C), Speakable Speech & Language provides both in-person and virtual speech therapy to Canadian children between 18 months and 18 years of age. Our team is composed of clinicians in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or l’Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ). Our staff are dedicated to delivering sessions that are engaging, educational, therapeutic, and fun. Sessions range from 30–45 minutes and are designed to meet each child’s unique needs while fostering confidence and communication skills.