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

Private vs. School-Based Speech Therapy: What Parents Should Know

Private vs. School-Based Speech Therapy: What Parents Should Know

Understanding the differences—and how they can work together.

As the school year begins, many families are navigating speech and language evaluations, IEP meetings, and questions about services. If you’re wondering about the differences between private and school-based speech therapy, and how to choose what’s best for your child, you’re not alone.

The truth is: both options can be incredibly valuable—and often work best when combined. Here's what parents should know about the differences between private and school-based speech therapy, and how private services can fill the gaps.

School-Based Therapy: Support Within an Educational Framework

School speech-language pathologists provide essential services to students whose communication needs directly impact their ability to learn and participate in school. These services are guided by federal law and typically include:

• Evaluations for eligibility through the special education process

• Services written into an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• Goals that align with academic performance and classroom needs

• Therapy delivered in small groups or within the classroom

• Limited frequency—often 20–30 minutes once per week

School-based therapists are skilled professionals, but they often manage large caseloads and must work within educational guidelines, which can affect how often and what type of support your child receives.

Private Therapy: Flexible, Personalized, and Family-Focused

Private speech therapy offers more flexibility and a deeply individualized approach. Services are not tied to school eligibility or academic impact and can focus on any area of concern. At Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy, private sessions may include:

• One-on-one therapy without the need for an IEP

• Goals that reflect the child’s full developmental profile—not just academic performance

• Therapy that takes place in your home, virtually, or in a familiar community setting

• Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends

• Parent involvement and consistent home support

• Progress updates after every session

Private therapy allows us to target goals that are meaningful for your family—whether that’s improving articulation, building confidence in conversations, or supporting overall language development.

Can My Child Receive Both?

Yes. Many children receive services through their school and also work with a private SLP. Here’s why families often choose both:

• To receive more frequent or intensive therapy

• To work on goals that fall outside the school’s scope

• To support carryover into home and social settings

• To ensure continuity during school breaks, transitions, or waitlists

With your permission, I’m happy to collaborate with your child’s school-based team to support shared goals and create a more unified plan.

Supporting Your Child in Every Setting

Both school-based and private therapy play important roles in a child’s development. While school therapy ensures access to education, private therapy offers added flexibility, focus, and family involvement.

You don’t have to choose just one—and you don’t need to wait for an IEP to begin.

Serving Families in Commerce Township and Surrounding Areas

Bud to Blossom Speech Therapy provides in-home, virtual, and community-based speech and language support for families in Commerce Township, Oakland County, and nearby communities.

If you’re navigating new school routines, recent evaluations, or concerns about your child’s communication, I’d love to help.

Let’s create a plan that works for your child—and your family.
Reach out here

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

Trusted Speech Therapy Contracts for Southeast Michigan Schools

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

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.