Our Journey into Speech Therapy

In May 2023, during a routine check-up and vaccination, Theodore’s pediatrician was out of the country, so we saw a temporary pediatrician instead. This doctor noticed something that made my heart skip a beat—my son wasn’t as responsive as expected. It was enough to prompt the doctor to run several tests right there in the clinic. Before we were sent home, the temporary pediatrician advised us to consult a pediatric neurologist or a developmental pediatrician for further testing. However, living far from the bigger city meant limited options and availability. The recommended specialist wasn’t available at that time, and I was advised to act quickly and seek out a speech therapist as an early intervention while we waited.

The Wait for Speech Therapy

We immediately reached out to a speech pathologist who tested and examined Theodore. She confirmed the need for early intervention and advised us to start speech therapy as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there were no available slots at that time, and we ended up waiting nearly three months before a spot finally opened up in July 2023. The waiting period felt long and anxious, but when we finally got the call, we were ready to dive in.

While waiting for a speech therapy slot to open up, I knew I couldn’t just sit and wait. I began researching ways to support Theodore’s speech development at home. I watched countless videos from speech therapists on YouTube, following their instructions on activities to do with him. We significantly reduced screen time, focusing instead on interactive, speech-focused play. I gathered materials from around the house—like toys, books, and everyday objects—and we started practicing right away. Even though we didn’t have a formal therapist yet, I wanted to give Theodore every opportunity to improve while we waited.

The first day was really a challenging moment…

When July finally arrived and we got the call that a slot had opened up, we were ready, but nothing quite prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster of that first day. Theodore was understandably anxious about the new environment, and to make things more challenging, it was the first time he had to be in a room without me. He cried—a lot. It broke my heart to see him so upset, and I remember holding him tightly afterward as he clung to me, still crying. It was a tough experience for both of us, but by the third session, he started to relax. He didn’t cry as much, and I could see him beginning to adjust.

Making Progress: Our Speech Therapy Journey

The first day of speech therapy was a mix of emotions—hope, nervousness, and determination. I remember how, before therapy, Theodore struggled to communicate his needs. When he wanted something, he would simply take our hands and nudge us toward what he wanted, unable to express it in words. But now, after consistent practice and guidance, he’s making incredible progress. He can now articulate what he wants in complete sentences. For example, when he’s hungry, he says, “I want [the food he desires].” It’s such a joy to hear him express himself so clearly.

At home, we’ve been reinforcing the therapy sessions by getting him familiar with everyday objects and actions. We practice with flashcards daily, which has been incredibly effective. Theodore is now able to recognize and name things without the aid of flashcards—a small but significant victory in our journey.

Tips for Moms Considering Speech Therapy

If you’re a mom noticing potential signs of speech delay in your child, here are some steps and tips based on our experience:

1. Consult Your Pediatrician: If you notice any signs of speech delay, the first step is to consult your pediatrician. They can provide initial guidance and may refer you to a specialist or a speech therapist.
2. Seek Early Intervention: Don’t wait. If a specialist isn’t immediately available, start by finding a speech therapist who can begin working with your child as soon as possible. Early intervention is crucial.
3. Act at Home: While waiting for a formal therapy slot, take proactive steps at home. Reduce screen time and engage in speech-focused activities. Watch videos from speech therapists online and implement their advice using materials you already have at home.
4. Research Therapy Centers: If you’re in a province or an area with limited options, take the time to research and visit different therapy centers. We visited three different centers before choosing Therabridge Therapy Center, which has been a perfect fit for us. If you want more details about them, feel free to email me—I’m happy to share our experience.
5. Prepare for the First Day: The first day of therapy can be overwhelming for your child. Expect some tears, especially if they’re in an unfamiliar setting without you. It’s normal, and with time, they’ll start to adjust. By our third session, Theodore was much more relaxed and didn’t cry as much.
6. Be Open to Schedule Adjustments: Therapy sessions can be early in the morning or require several days a week. Be prepared to adjust your child’s routine to accommodate therapy sessions, and know that these adjustments will become easier over time.
7. Consistency is Key: It’s important to supplement therapy with consistent practice at home. Establishing routines and continuing the activities from therapy sessions will reinforce your child’s learning and progress.
8. Monitor Progress: Keep track of your child’s progress, and don’t hesitate to communicate with your therapist if you have concerns or questions. Celebrating small milestones will keep you motivated and focused on your child’s development.
9. Be Patient and Persistent: The journey through speech therapy can be challenging and sometimes expensive, but the rewards are worth it. Seeing your child communicate effectively and confidently is incredibly fulfilling.

Reflecting on Our Progress

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Lao tzu

Looking back, I’m so grateful we took action when we did. Theodore has made tremendous strides, and the improvements we’ve seen are nothing short of amazing. We’re still on this journey, with both speech therapy and occupational therapy, and I’m excited to see how much more progress he will make.

If you’re considering speech therapy for your child or are currently going through a similar experience, know that you’re not alone. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but the growth and progress make it all worthwhile. Reach out, ask questions, and find the right support system for your child—because every step forward is a step toward a brighter future.