Why Should We Abandon the “Wait and See” Approach

Why Should We Abandon the “Wait and See Approach” for language intervention?

Can't remember the times I have had parents tell me they were not sure if their child was delayed in their speech and language development. Oftentimes, this can be a scary feeling for parents. Usually parents reach out to pediatricians, family members, or close friends to express their concerns. Sometimes pediatricians or close relatives with the best intentions will tell these parents to wait a few months or will dismiss parent concerns with the idea that the child might be a *late talker* and will eventually catch up to their peers. While some of these assumptions may be true, this is not always the case. Children develop at their own pace, HOWEVER, there are language Milestones that are typically achieved around a similar age. We must be attentive and know when it is time to look for help.  Before we dive into the Wait and See Method and the disadvantages, let's clarify some terms so this blog can make more sense.

What is the Wait and See Approach?

This is an approach recommended to parents when they have language concerns. It basically suggests waiting some time to see if the child (typically a late talker) outgrows their difficulties and begins communicating.  At times, this method will be suggested even when the child fails his/her language screener.

What is a late talker?

A late talker is considered a child who is taking a little bit longer to develop language skills when compared to similar aged peers.  Late talkers usually have typical developing skills in other areas of development.

What is Early intervention?

Early intervention is a program that consists of various professionals (e.g., speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, early interventionists, etc.,) working with children who are demonstrating difficulties acquiring developmental milestones. Early intervention programs work closely with parents/caregivers/families through parent coaching, modeling, to facilitate the carryover of skills to multiple environments. This program is usually offered to children -birth to 3 years of age, and in some states, it is extended to later years.

Why is it Critical to Let the “Wait and See Approach” Go?

There is sufficient evidence that suggests the Wait and See Approach should be abandoned. We should be taking a proactive role in seeking intervention services when we suspect children are falling behind in their language development milestones. When children are young, their brains are absorbing everything. This is a crucial time to get all the support they need from qualified speech language pathologists who can support families through modeling and parent education/coaching.

Here are some key points regarding the impact of  the “Wait and See Approach” on late talkers:

1.     Most late blooming children continue to demonstrate weaker language and related abilities. Early language intervention can boost children’s long-term outcomes, and also have an impact on other domains that rely on prior language achievements for their development (Singleton, 2018).

2.     Advances in the science of brain development, language development and disorders, and epigenetics support early identification and intervention, not a wait-and-see approach for late talkers (Singleton, 2018).

3.     Between 70-80% of late talking two year olds develop appropriate language skills in later years (Hawa et al., 2014). However, even though they seem to catch up, late bloomers often demonstrate language difficulties in their adolescent years. 

4.     Late talking can also impact early socialization and school readiness, and can place some late talkers at risk for life-long difficulties (Singleton, 2018).

My Two Cents:

I always tell parents/caregivers “trust and follow your gut,” if you suspect that your child might be delayed in his or her language development. Follow that up with a qualified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in your area. Many SLPs are happy to do a free consultation or may charge a small fee. It is better to seek early intervention services and get the help your child needs and be discharged in a few months, than to wait and see what happens. Waiting may lead to the child falling even more behind and additional difficulties. The first few years of development are so crucial, don't let that window escape!!! Early intervention will not only help your child, but it will relieve any possible parent stress as you will feel more equipped to apply strategies at home and see your child's language skills bloom.

If you are local in the area, please feel free to reach out. I am here to help you navigate this process and answer any questions you may have regarding your child's speech and language development.  I offer complimentary consultations (15-20 minutes).

YOU GOT THIS!

References: 

Capone Singleton, N. (2018). Late talkers: Why the wait-and-see approach is outdated. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 65(1), 13-29. 

Hawa, V. V. & Spanoudis, G. (2014). Toddlers with delayed expressive language: An overview of the characteristics, risk factors and language outcomes. Researchers in Developmental Disabilities, 35, 400-407.