Not sure if it's 'worth it'?
Most parents who contact us have been quietly wondering for weeks or months before they reach out. Here's a straightforward way to think about the decision.
Trust your instinct , but check it against something concrete
Parents are usually right to notice something. The harder question is what to do about it. A short consultation costs you very little and gives you either reassurance or a clear, specific plan , both are useful outcomes, and neither requires you to have already decided your child "definitely needs therapy" before you get in touch.
What an assessment can tell you that Google can't
Online milestone checklists are a reasonable starting point, but they can't account for your individual child, or distinguish reliably between a passing phase and a genuine delay. An assessment does both, with a written report you can act on.
It's worth a conversation if…
- Your child's speech or language feels behind other children the same age
- A preschool, school, public health nurse or GP has mentioned a concern
- Your child seems frustrated by not being understood
- Speech or language hasn't visibly progressed in the last few months
- You're simply unsure, and reassurance would help
- Your child has stopped using words or skills they previously had
If you recognise some of these signs, it may be helpful to discuss your child's communication with a qualified speech and language therapist. An initial discussion can help you understand whether further assessment or support would be appropriate.
Questions parents ask
Is it ever 'too early' to see a speech therapist?+
No. There's no minimum age, and an early conversation costs you nothing but time. If a therapist thinks watchful waiting is reasonable, they'll tell you that too — it's not a one-way door into unnecessary therapy.
What if I'm told to 'wait and see'?+
Sometimes that's genuinely the right call for a specific child. What matters is that it's a considered recommendation from an assessment, not a default response because a list is long or a concern feels minor.
Can a public health nurse or GP tell me if my child needs therapy?+
They can flag a concern and refer on, but a speech and language therapist is the specialist best placed to assess communication in detail. You don't need to wait for a referral to book privately.