Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Working: The Real Cost of Missing Early Intervention
I read a statistic this week that stopped me in my tracks:
“Only 15% of autistic preschoolers receive early intervention before age 2.”
Fifteen percent.
As SLPs, we know how critical it is to not just “wait and see.” Early intervention changes everything.
It boosts communication skills, reduces family stress, and even lowers long-term educational and healthcare costs. And yet… so many kids who could benefit from early intervention are slipping through the cracks.
Study after study has shown that every $1 invested in early intervention saves between $7 and $17 in long-term educational and support costs. Families who receive services early report less stress and greater confidence in supporting their child’s needs. Kids who start therapy early show stronger expressive and receptive language skills, higher IQ scores, and are less likely to need intensive special education later on.
So, if the research is that clear – why are so many kids missing out?
One big reason: pediatricians often don’t refer until a child shows glaring characteristics of autism.
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had a referral come through for a child over 3 who’s barely speaking and the doctor simply wrote “speech delay.” No developmental referral. No autism screening.
Doctors shouldn’t be afraid to bring up autism. Families deserve clarity, not avoidance. When we soften the truth because it’s uncomfortable, we delay access to the very supports that could make a world of difference.
In my own clinic, our intake paperwork always includes autism characteristics – because we want families to know from the start that talking about autism isn’t taboo here. It’s part of understanding a child’s unique developmental profile.
And speaking of the language we use with families, we need to talk about the word “delay”.
When we call a child “delayed,” it suggests they’re just moving slower along a typical path, like they’ll eventually “catch up” if we just wait.
But that’s not always true.
For many autistic children or kids with complex communication profiles, their developmental path isn’t slower – it’s different. Using “delay” can give both clinicians and parents false hope that time alone will close the gap, which can postpone critical supports like AAC, sensory, and individualized therapy.
We’re not helping anyone by pretending they’ll “catch up.” We’re helping by identifying how they learn and supporting that process early and authentically.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “My uncle didn’t talk until he was 4 and now he’s a lawyer!”
Listen, I love that uncle for thriving. But that story shouldn’t be used to invalidate a parent’s concern.
When a parent says, “I’m worried my child isn’t talking,” our job isn’t to reassure them into waiting. It’s to validate their instincts and give them the tools to act. Parents know their kids best and we should empower, not dismiss, that intuition.
In case you didn’t know, four of my own kids have received speech therapy.
Not because I was worried something was “wrong,” but because I believe in giving kids support early and often. Therapy doesn’t need to be scary or stigmatized, it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to give kids 1:1 time with someone who helps them communicate, regulate, and connect.
And as professionals, we can make therapy fit into family life instead of adding stress. Let’s teach strategies parents can use during bathtime, mealtime, and playtime, not expect them to recreate therapy sessions at home.
When families feel supported instead of judged, they’re more confident, consistent, and engaged and that’s when progress really takes off.
Early intervention shouldn’t be optional, it’s essential.
The earlier we identify differences, the more meaningful our impact can be. Early intervention doesn’t just improve developmental outcomes, it transforms family life, reduces stress, and builds confidence.
So let’s stop telling parents to wait.
Let’s stop being afraid to say the word “autism.”
And let’s stop assuming kids will “catch up.”
Because when we normalize therapy, validate concerns, and act early, everybody wins.
If you want tools to help guide families, my When to Refer Packet and Autism Characteristics Checklist are available inside the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy.
They’re designed to help SLPs and pediatric professionals make confident, informed referrals and to empower families with the knowledge they need to act early.
Visit https://www.neuroaffirmacademy.com/ to learn more!
