Waiting for speech therapy can be one of the hardest parts of the journey for parents.
You may already know your child needs support, but while you’re waiting, it’s common to feel:
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Anxious about lost time
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Unsure of what to do (or not do)
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Afraid of making things worse
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Overwhelmed by conflicting advice online
At Dream Pediatric, we meet many Edmonton parents who tell us that the waiting period was the most stressful part — not because nothing could be done, but because no one explained what actually helps during this time.
This post is here to offer guidance, reassurance, and simple strategies you can use while waiting for speech therapy — without pressure or fear of doing it “wrong.”
First, Let’s Clear This Up: Waiting Does Not Mean Doing Nothing
One of the biggest worries parents have is:
“What if waiting causes harm?”
The truth is:
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You are not wasting time by waiting
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You are not failing your child
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Small, supportive actions can make a real difference
What matters most during this time is how you support communication — not trying to replace therapy or “teach” your child to talk.
Focus on Reducing Frustration (For You and Your Child)
Children who struggle to communicate often know what they want — they just can’t express it yet. This can lead to frustration, tantrums, or withdrawal.
Your main goal while waiting is to:
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Reduce pressure
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Support understanding
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Help your child feel successful
When frustration goes down, communication attempts often increase.
Practical Things Parents Can Do While Waiting for Speech Therapy
These strategies are the same ones we often recommend to families before their first appointment at our Edmonton clinic.
Respond to All Forms of Communication
Communication is more than words.
Your child may use:
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Gestures
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Sounds
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Facial expressions
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Actions
Responding to these attempts teaches your child that communication works — even before words come.
Use Simple, Clear Language
During this stage, less is more.
Instead of long explanations, use:
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Short phrases
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Clear words
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Repetition throughout the day
For example:
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“More snack”
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“Ball roll”
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“Up please”
This helps your child understand and model language naturally.
Follow Your Child’s Interests
Children communicate more when they’re engaged.
Sit with your child and talk about:
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What they’re playing with
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What they’re looking at
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What they’re enjoying
You don’t need special toys — everyday play is enough.
Follow Your Child’s Interests
Children communicate more when they’re engaged.
Sit with your child and talk about:
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What they’re playing with
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What they’re looking at
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What they’re enjoying
You don’t need special toys — everyday play is enough.
Pause and Give Your Child Time to Respond
After you model a word or gesture:
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Pause
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Look expectantly
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Wait
Your child may respond with a sound, gesture, or look — all of these count as communication.
Encourage Gestures and Pointing
Gestures reduce frustration and support language development.
Encourage:
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Pointing
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Waving
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Reaching
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Nodding
Many children develop words more easily once gestures are established.
What to Avoid While Waiting
Out of worry, parents sometimes feel pressure to “push” language. Try to avoid:
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Forcing your child to repeat words
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Quizzing them (“What’s this?” over and over)
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Comparing them to other children
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Withholding items until they speak
Pressure can increase frustration and reduce confidence.
It’s Okay If Progress Feels Slow
Speech and language development doesn’t happen overnight.
Some weeks you may notice:
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New sounds
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More gestures
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Better understanding
Other weeks may feel quiet — and that’s normal.
Progress often shows up before words do.
When to Seek Support (Even While Waiting)
If you’re feeling unsure, it’s okay to ask questions early.
You may want to reach out if your child:
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Has very few words by 18–24 months
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Rarely attempts to communicate
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Gets very frustrated trying to express needs
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Understands language but doesn’t speak much
Early conversations can bring relief and clarity.
How Dream Pediatric Supports Edmonton Families
Dream Pediatric is a pediatric therapy clinic based in Edmonton, and we work exclusively with families in the Edmonton area. Our focus is on relationship-based, in-person care that supports both children and parents.
We offer:
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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 guidance without pressure
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Compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming care
Our goal is to help families feel supported — even before therapy officially begins.
You’re Doing More Than You Think
If you’re reading this, it means you care deeply about your child — and that matters.
Waiting for speech therapy can feel heavy, but you are not powerless during this time. Small, supportive steps can make daily life easier and prepare your child for future progress.
Final Thoughts
While waiting for speech therapy, your role isn’t to fix or teach — it’s to connect, respond, and support.
If you live in Edmonton and are feeling unsure about your child’s communication, having a conversation can help ease the worry.
👉 Book a free consultation with Dream Pediatric and let’s take the next step together — with guidance, compassion, and support that fits real family life.
