Your Gut Instinct: The Most Powerful Tool for Your Child’s Speech

September 22, 2025 Tonya Wollum

As parents, we’ve all felt it—that quiet whisper of concern or a nagging question that won’t go away. When it comes to our children’s development, especially their speech, this feeling is your most powerful tool. In our latest podcast episode, I sat down with Luba Patlakh, a speech-language pathologist and founder of Kidology, to talk about what to do when your gut tells you something’s off.

Luba’s advice was simple and powerful: don’t wait. She shared that the worst a professional can tell you is that your child is developing fine. Waiting to see if they’ll “grow out of it” can mean losing valuable time during critical developmental windows.

What’s the Difference Between Speech and Language?

Many parents wonder if what they’re seeing is a normal phase or a sign of something more. Luba cleared up a common point of confusion by explaining the difference between a speech delay and a language delay.

Think of it like this: Luba shared, “speech is the vehicle, and language is the message.”

A speech delay is an issue with the vehicle—the physical production of sounds. A child might struggle with articulation, like saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit.”
A language delay is a problem with the message—the words and how they’re put together. A child might have trouble understanding what you’re saying or be unable to form coherent sentences, even if they can make the sounds.

Understanding this difference is the first step toward finding the right help.

Your Roadmap to Early Intervention

Once you decide to act on your instincts, what’s next? Luba provided a clear roadmap for parents to follow, whether your child is a toddler or in elementary school.

For young children (birth to three), you can start by talking to your pediatrician or reaching out to a provider directly. Depending on your location, you may have access to a state-funded early intervention program, like the one Kidology participates in, or you can go through your private insurance.

For school-aged children, the process often starts with the school district and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). However, Luba and I both emphasized that school services alone might not be enough. She highlighted that school-based therapy is often focused on academic needs, while a private practice like Kidology takes a more global approach, looking at the full well-being of the child at home, with peers, and in their community.

The best strategy? Consider combining both.

The Power of Parent Advocacy

Luba and I shared a belief that you are the most important part of your child’s team. When services are split between a school and a private practice, you become the administrator, ensuring that communication is happening and that everyone is working toward the same goals. Your involvement and consistency are what truly make therapy work.

A Story of Hope

In our “A Day in the Life” segment, Luba shared a story that brought tears to my eyes. She recounted working with a young girl diagnosed with selective mutism who hadn’t spoken in months. During a therapy session in the clinic’s play gym, Luba was pushing the girl on a swing. When she stopped, the child looked at her and said, “Wee.” It was a breakthrough moment that proved the power of connection and trusting the process.

This story is a powerful reminder that every step, no matter how small, is a step forward.

Next Steps for You

If you are a parent searching for answers, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. Luba’s advice is a gift, and she offers fantastic resources on her website, including a free guide on what to expect from your child’s speech development at different ages.

Kidology: Learn more about Luba’s multidisciplinary practice.
The Confident IEP Parent: Get resources to help you advocate for your child.

Your parental journey is unique, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Trust your gut, seek out the right people, and know that you are your child’s best advocate.

Listen to or Watch the full interview with Luba in Episode 138.

Key Takeaways:

Trust Your Gut Instinct: Your parental intuition is your most valuable tool. If you have any concerns about your child’s communication, don’t wait for them to “grow out of it.” Early intervention is key.
Speech vs. Language: Understand the difference. Speech is the physical production of sounds (the “vehicle”), while language is the words and how they’re used (the “message”).
IEP and Private Therapy: You don’t have to choose one or the other. Combining school-based IEPs with private therapy can provide a more consistent and holistic approach to your child’s development.
Parent Power: You are the most important advocate and “administrator” for your child’s care. Ensure communication is happening between all providers to create a unified plan.
Don’t Be Afraid: Seeking help doesn’t mean something is wrong with your child. It’s a proactive step to build a strong foundation for their future communication and success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: What are the early signs that my child may need speech therapy?

A: According to Luba, a major sign is your parental gut feeling. Other indicators include a lack of babbling, not gesturing to communicate, losing words they previously had, or struggling with articulation.

Q: What’s the difference between a speech delay and a language delay?

A: A speech delay is an issue with the physical production of sounds (the “vehicle”), while a language delay is a difficulty with understanding and using words to convey a message (the “message”).

Q: What is the role of the parent in speech therapy?

A: Parents are the most important part of the therapy team. As Luba mentioned, you are the “administrator” who brings all the services together. Your role is to be an advocate, ask questions, and carry over the strategies learned in therapy into your daily routines at home. This consistent practice is key to your child’s progress.

Q: How can I help my child at home in between therapy sessions?

A: You can incorporate language-building activities into everyday routines, such as narrating what you are doing during bath time, singing songs, reading books, or encouraging your child to make requests and respond to questions.

Q: Do I need private speech therapy if my child already gets services at school?

A: As Luba explains, school-based therapy often focuses solely on academic goals. Combining school and private therapy can offer a more global, holistic approach to a child’s needs.

Q: Will my child’s speech problem just “fix itself” over time?

A: It’s a common misconception that all delays will resolve on their own. Waiting to see if a child “grows out of it” can lead to lost time during critical developmental periods. Early intervention is the best way to ensure your child has a solid foundation for communication.

Q: What should I do if my child starts regressing in their speech?

A: Regression, or losing previously learned words, is a red flag. While a shift can sometimes happen when a child is learning a new skill like walking, it’s a good reason to seek an evaluation to ensure they don’t lose progress.