Hulya MehmetWalking into your first speech therapy appointment with your toddler can feel overwhelming. I remember those early days with my own children – the uncertainty, the questions, the hope mixed with worry.
As both a Speech and Language Therapist with over 25 years of experience and a mother who has navigated communication challenges with her own sons, I want to give you a clear, honest picture of what really happens in speech therapy sessions and how you can make the most of this journey.
The Reality Behind Those Closed Doors
When I see parents in my clinic, I can often sense their anxiety. They’re wondering: “Will my child cooperate? Will they even speak? Am I doing something wrong?” Let me reassure you – these feelings are completely normal, and experienced therapists understand this completely.
The truth is, speech therapy for toddlers looks nothing like what most parents expect. There are no flashcards, no strict lesson plans, and certainly no formal testing that feels intimidating. Instead, what you’ll find is something that might surprise you: play.
Your First Session: Setting the Foundation
Your initial appointment will feel more like a conversation than an assessment. I always start by simply watching your child explore the room while we talk. This isn’t time wasted – I’m observing everything: how they move, what catches their interest, how they communicate their needs, and crucially, how they interact with you.
What I’m looking for:
- Does your child use gestures like pointing or reaching?
- Do they make eye contact when something exciting happens?
- How do they respond when you call their name?
- Are they interested in sharing experiences with you?
During this time, I’ll ask you about your child’s history, but not in a formal interview style. We’ll chat about their sleep, their eating, their favourite activities, and your specific concerns. This conversation is vital – you know your child better than anyone, and your insights guide everything we do together.
What Happens in Ongoing Sessions: The Magic of Play-Based Therapy
This is where many parents are pleasantly surprised. Effective speech therapy for toddlers happens through play because that’s how young children naturally learn and communicate.
A typical session might include:
Building Towers Together We’ll stack blocks while I model simple language: “Up, up, up!” When the tower falls, I’ll say “Down!” or “Oh no!” The goal isn’t to get your child to repeat these words immediately – it’s to make language meaningful and fun.
Bubbles and Balloons These are absolute favourites in my clinic. Bubbles naturally create opportunities for communication – children point, reach, and often vocalise with excitement. I might say “More?” or “Pop!” creating natural moments for your child to communicate their wants.
Pretend Play We might have a tea party with dolls, “cook” in our play kitchen, or take care of stuffed animals. This type of play develops language, imagination, and social skills simultaneously.
The Parent’s Role: More Important Than You Think
Here’s something crucial that many parents don’t realise: you are not just observing during these sessions. You’re learning techniques that will help your child progress far more than any 30-minute weekly session could achieve alone.
I’ll show you how to:
- Follow your child’s lead in play while naturally introducing language
- Expand on their attempts at communication
- Create opportunities for them to communicate throughout the day
- Recognise and celebrate every small step forward
What Progress Actually Looks Like
One of the most important conversations I have with parents is about realistic expectations. Progress in speech therapy isn’t always linear, and it rarely happens as quickly as we’d like.
Early progress might look like:
- Your child starts to look at you more during play
- They begin to imitate actions, even without words
- They show more interest in books or interactive games
- They use gestures more consistently to communicate needs
Remember: Every child who has made significant progress in my clinic started with small steps. My own son, who faced hearing challenges and speech delays, didn’t progress overnight. But with consistency, patience, and the right support, he thrived.
The Truth About Different Approaches
Not all speech therapy looks the same, and that’s because not all children learn the same way. In my practice, I’ve learned to adapt my approach based on what each child needs.
For children with autism or suspected autism: Sessions might focus more on social communication – helping them understand that communication is a way to connect with others and get their needs met. We work on joint attention (looking at the same thing together) and turn-taking before focusing heavily on words.
For late talkers without other concerns: We might focus on expanding their vocabulary and helping them combine words into simple phrases. These children often just need more time and targeted practice.
For children with motor speech difficulties: We might spend time strengthening the muscles needed for speech through specific exercises disguised as play.
Home Strategies That Actually Work
Based on my experience with thousands of families, here are the strategies that consistently make a difference:
1. Narrate Your Daily Life
Talk about what you’re doing as you do it: “Mummy’s making breakfast. Crack the egg. Stir, stir, stir.” This gives your child constant exposure to language in meaningful contexts.
2. Use Visual Schedules
Create simple picture schedules showing the sequence of daily activities. This helps children understand routines and reduces anxiety around transitions.
3. Read Together Daily
Choose books with simple, repetitive text and lots of pictures. Don’t worry about reading every word – follow your child’s interest and talk about what you see.
4. Create Communication Opportunities
Instead of anticipating every need, create gentle opportunities for your child to communicate. Hold the cup of juice and wait for them to indicate they want more, even if it’s just by reaching or looking at you.
When to Worry and When to Be Patient
As both a therapist and a parent, I understand the delicate balance between being appropriately concerned and needlessly anxious. Here’s my honest guidance:
Seek help if:
- Your child isn’t using any words by 18 months
- They’re not combining two words by 2.5 years
- You notice regression in skills they once had
- They seem frustrated by their inability to communicate
- They’re not responding to their name consistently
Be patient but proactive if:
- Your child is making slow but steady progress
- They’re communicating effectively with gestures and sounds, even without words
- They’re engaged socially and interested in interaction
The Journey Ahead: Hope and Realistic Expectations
I’ve seen remarkable progress in children who seemed to have significant challenges, and I’ve learned that patience combined with the right support can lead to wonderful outcomes. My younger son, who was critically ill as a newborn and faced multiple communication challenges, is now thriving in grammar school – a testament to the power of early intervention and persistent support.
What I want you to remember:
- Every child’s timeline is different
- Small steps are still progress
- Your involvement makes all the difference
- Seeking help early is always the right choice
- You are not alone in this journey
Your child’s communication journey may not look exactly like you imagined, but with the right support, patience, and understanding, they can find their voice and connect with the world around them. Trust the process, trust your instincts, and remember that every small step forward is worth celebrating.
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and language development, don’t hesitate to speak with your GP or health visitor about a referral to speech and language therapy services. Early intervention can make a profound difference, and you have nothing to lose by seeking professional guidance.
