If you’re a parent who’s ever been told to “wait and see,” you’re not alone.
In fact, it’s one of the most common phrases families hear after a speech-language evaluation—especially when concerns are described as mild, borderline, or age appropriate for now. And while that guidance can be appropriate, it often leaves parents wondering:
"What exactly am I supposed to be watching for?"
"What should I be doing at home?"
"How will I know if it’s time to pursue more support?"
That in-between space—the waiting, the monitoring, the uncertainty—is where many families feel stuck.
The In-Between Stages No One Talks About
As a speech-language pathologist working in Early Intervention, I see these transition points all the time.
A child turns three, and the family isn’t quite ready for preschool yet.
A child made wonderful progress in Early Intervention but didn’t qualify for school-based services.
A school evaluation determines a child doesn’t meet eligibility, but parents still notice lingering communication challenges.
A family is told concerns are mild and to “wait and see,” but no one explains how to monitor skills or when to check back in.
Often, parents don’t stop caring or worrying, they just don’t know what their next step should be.
And sometimes, because life is busy and the guidance feels unclear, families end up putting concerns on the back burner… only to realize months or years later that there were things they could have been doing while monitoring their child’s communication skills.
When Early Intervention Ends (and Families Aren't Sure What's Next)
Many families find themselves in a common situation: their child is turning three, finishing Early Intervention (EI), but they’re not ready for preschool, don’t qualify for school-based speech services, or don’t want regular therapy because concerns feel mild.
Even though Early Intervention services officially end at age three, the path forward isn’t always clear. Parents often ask:
"How can I support my child’s speech and language at home?"
"Am I missing something important while monitoring their progress?"
"How do I know if my child really needs more support?"
When Speech Therapy Is at School (and Support at Home Feels Unclear)
Many families I work with already have children receiving speech therapy through their schools. Parents often share concerns like:
“I don’t always know what they’re working on.”
“I wish I had more guidance on how to support skills at home.”
“I want a space to ask questions without feeling rushed.”
School-based speech services are valuable and essential for supporting educational access. However, they are not always designed to provide individualized parent coaching, guidance on supporting communication at home, or help navigating the school system.
Sometimes, additional direct therapy isn’t what families need. What parents are often looking for is clarity, reassurance, and professional guidance to understand their child’s progress, support communication skills at home, and confidently navigate school-based services.
Not every child needs weekly therapy.
But many families need more than just waiting.
That’s why I created Speech Bridge—a short-term, parent-focused support option designed specifically for the spaces between services or after services end.
Speech Bridge is for families who:
Were advised to “wait and see” after an evaluation but want guidance while monitoring skills
Recently exited Early Intervention or speech therapy and want continued support
Have children receiving school-based speech therapy and want additional parent coaching
Want professional input without committing to intensive therapy
It’s not therapy, and it doesn’t replace services. Instead, it offers a way to stay informed, empowered, and supported during transitions.
Because Waiting Doesn’t Mean Doing Nothing
Monitoring a child’s communication development doesn’t have to mean guessing or worrying in isolation.
Having access to a licensed speech-language pathologist during these transitional times can help parents:
Understand what’s typical vs. concerning
Learn what to support at home
Know when it’s time to re-evaluate
Navigate Early Intervention or school systems with more confidence
Most importantly, it reminds parents that they don’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’ve ever felt unsure during a “wait and see” period—or wondered whether there was something more you could be doing—you’re not wrong for asking those questions.
Sometimes, the most supportive step isn’t more therapy… it’s the right guidance at the right time.
If you’re curious whether this type of support might be helpful for your family, you can learn more about Speech Bridge on the Services section of my website.
Tags:
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