For many parents, the idea of speech therapy brings up a lot of questions — and often, a lot of worry.
You might be wondering:
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What will happen in the sessions?
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Will my child be pressured to talk?
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What if my child cries or refuses to participate?
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What if I don’t know what to do?
At Dream Pediatric, we meet many Edmonton parents who arrive feeling nervous simply because they don’t know what to expect. This guide is meant to reduce fear, replace uncertainty with clarity, and help you feel confident before starting speech therapy.
First, Let’s Clear Up a Common Misconception
Speech therapy for young children does not look like:
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Sitting at a table
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Repeating words on command
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Being corrected constantly
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Feeling pressured to perform
In fact, when therapy feels like this, it often doesn’t work well.
Modern pediatric speech therapy — including the approach we use at Dream Pediatric — is play-based, relationship-focused, and child-led.
What Speech Therapy Really Looks Like for Young Children
Speech therapy sessions are designed to feel safe, engaging, and enjoyable.
You can expect:
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Play-based activities chosen based on your child’s interests
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Simple language models woven into play
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Turn-taking, movement, and exploration
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Support for communication beyond just spoken words
Your child is never forced to talk.
What Happens During the First Speech Therapy Session
For many families, the first session feels like the biggest unknown.
At Dream Pediatric, the first session usually includes:
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Time to get to know your child
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Observing how your child communicates naturally
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Talking with you about concerns and goals
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Explaining what support might look like moving forward
This session is as much about supporting parents as it is about understanding your child.
What Parents Do During Speech Therapy Sessions
Parents are not expected to sit silently or “get it right.”
Instead, parents are:
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Welcome to observe or participate
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Guided through simple strategies
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Supported with clear explanations
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Encouraged to ask questions
We believe parents are a child’s most important communication partners.
How Speech Therapy Supports More Than Words
Speech therapy may work on:
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Using gestures or signs
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Understanding language
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Turn-taking and interaction
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Reducing frustration
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Building confidence
For many children, confidence and connection come before words.
What Progress Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)
Progress is not always immediate or obvious.
Progress might look like:
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More eye contact
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Increased gestures
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Less frustration
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More attempts to communicate
Words often come after these changes.
How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Progress depends on:
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Your child’s individual needs
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Age and developmental profile
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Consistency of support
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Family goals
Speech therapy is not a race — it’s a supportive process.
How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Progress depends on:
-
Your child’s individual needs
-
Age and developmental profile
-
Consistency of support
-
Family goals
Speech therapy is not a race — it’s a supportive process.
How Dream Pediatric Supports Families in Edmonton
Dream Pediatric is a pediatric therapy clinic based in Edmonton, and we provide in-person services only within the Edmonton area.
Our approach includes:
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Free consultations for Edmonton families
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Play-based, child-led speech therapy
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Parent coaching during sessions
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Clear, honest communication
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Neurodiversity-affirming care
We focus on building trust — with children and with parents.
How Dream Pediatric Supports Families in Edmonton
Dream Pediatric is a pediatric therapy clinic based in Edmonton, and we provide in-person services only within the Edmonton area.
Our approach includes:
-
Free consultations for Edmonton families
-
Play-based, child-led speech therapy
-
Parent coaching during sessions
-
Clear, honest communication
-
Neurodiversity-affirming care
We focus on building trust — with children and with parents.
Final Thoughts
Starting speech therapy doesn’t mean something is “wrong” — it means you’re supporting your child in a thoughtful, proactive way.
If you’re located in Edmonton and feeling unsure about what speech therapy involves, talking with a professional can help reduce uncertainty and fear.
👉 Book a free consultation with Dream Pediatric and learn what supportive, play-based speech therapy can look like for your family.
