Early Intervention Family Education

Early Intervention Speech therapy bootcamp for parents and families!

Introduce your lesson with an optional, short summary. You can edit this excerpt in lesson settings.

This delves into the topic of when a speech-language evaluation may be warranted

Now, we will delve into myths versus real possibilities of why your child may be experiencing a language delay.

During the evaluation, I take time to really get to know your child and family. The process is relaxed and play-based, focusing on observation, parent interview, and natural interaction. I’ll ask about your child’s communication at home, watch how they play and respond, and note how your family connects and communicates together. My goal is to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and everyday routines so we can create a plan that truly fits your family—not just a test score.

In the first few sessions, I focus on connection, observation, and trust rather than structured tasks. You’ll notice I don’t bring a big toy bag at first—this allows your child’s attention to stay on people, not objects. I take time to learn how your child communicates naturally and what might be making it difficult for them to speak. During this stage, I model language instead of demanding it, creating a safe, pressure-free space where communication can begin to grow naturally.

Modeling means showing your child how to communicate without pressuring them to copy you. Instead of saying “say ‘ball,’” I might hold the ball and simply say, “Ball!” Modeling gives your child a chance to watch, listen, and learn at their own pace, building understanding first before expression. It’s a gentle, effective way to help language develop naturally through real connection and everyday interactions.

Prompting means giving a child a little extra help or cue to communicate—like pointing, pausing, or reminding them what to say. Prompts can be visual, verbal, or physical, and they’re used to gently guide a child toward communication when modeling alone isn’t enough. The goal is always to use the least amount of help needed, so your child learns to communicate more independently and confidently over time.

Communication temptations gently invite a child to communicate by creating playful opportunities—like pausing before blowing more bubbles or holding up a favorite toy and waiting expectantly. The goal is to spark curiosity and motivation without pressure. The difference is intention—communication temptations build trust and confidence, while withholding can make a child feel stressed or powerless.

AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, refers to any tool or method that supports or replaces spoken words. This can include signs, picture symbols, communication boards, or high-tech devices with buttons that speak when tapped. AAC doesn’t stop a child from talking — in fact, research shows it often encourages verbal speech because it gives children a clear, successful way to communicate right now. All individuals can benefit from AAC, all ages and levels of speech.

Progress in speech therapy isn’t always about saying more words—it can show up in many small, meaningful ways. You might notice your child imitating more sounds, following directions, using gestures, or simply feeling more comfortable and connected during play. These moments show that your child is learning, engaging, and building the foundation for communication to grow naturally over time.