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Wondering whether to “wait and see”? Here’s why Early Intervention makes all the difference

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Speech or Occupational Therapy Now?

Deciding whether to start therapy or take a “wait and see” approach can feel overwhelming. As a parent, you want to make the best choice for your child’s future, but without a crystal ball, it’s not always easy to know what to do. The good news is that by considering a few key factors, we can help guide you toward an informed decision that supports your child’s growth and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at what we consider when determining whether therapy might be beneficial for your child.

  1. Family-Centred Decisions

Your role as a parent is crucial. While it’s tempting to focus solely on whether your child might “catch up,” this approach can overlook your unique insights and concerns as a parent. Often, your observations reflect your child’s challenges more accurately than a formal assessment. Your voice matters in deciding whether therapy could make a difference for your child.

  1. The Impact on Daily Life

Think about how your child’s difficulties affect their everyday experiences. Are these challenges rare and easy to overcome, or do they create ongoing strain for you, your child, or your family? Understanding how these struggles impact daily life can provide valuable insight into whether therapy could be beneficial.

  1. Early Signs of Long-Term Challenges

We also consider factors that might indicate underlying developmental differences. These can include:

  • A family history of developmental concerns
  • Delays in early communication or developmental milestones
  • Challenges with understanding, following instructions, or learning new skills
  • Difficulties with self-care, play, emotional regulation, or connecting with others

These observations, combined with input from families, help us determine whether early intervention might be a good idea.

Why Early Intervention Makes All the Difference

As therapists, our goal is to provide timely support to children and their families to prevent future challenges from becoming bigger issues. The “wait and see” approach can often delay the help that could make a real difference. By waiting, you might be missing the chance to address difficulties when they are most manageable—setting the foundation for long-term success. Early intervention helps tackle challenges before they become overwhelming, reducing the need for extensive support later on and empowering your child to thrive.

Think of it as “support and see” instead of “wait and see.” This approach focuses on meeting your family where you’re at, offering targeted support tailored to your needs. Whether it’s giving advice for things to try at home or starting therapy to address specific challenges, early intervention isn’t just about fixing skills—it’s about looking at your child’s overall development, including their emotional, social, and everyday life skills. It sets your child up for success by building the skills they need in a manageable and effective way while also supporting your family’s needs.

How to Make an Informed Decision

The best way to decide on therapy is to start with an assessment. This allows us to gain a clear understanding of your child’s skills and challenges, giving us the information needed to create a plan that works for your family.

If you’re still unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, consider booking a free quick check. During this time, one of our therapists will meet with you and your child to discuss your concerns, briefly observe your child, and help you decide if an assessment is necessary.

If you’re ready to learn more you can contact your local clinic to talk to one of our friendly family experience officers (Link to the clinic details tab of the website). Alternatively, you can learn more about our assessment process here (Link to the assessment tab of the website).

No matter where you are in the process, we’re here to support you in making the best decision for your child’s future.

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