The case for early intervention — why waiting doesn't help

"Let's just wait and see." It's advice often given to parents when they raise concerns about their child's development or learning. But in my 25 years of practice, I've learned that waiting is rarely the best strategy.

Early intervention isn't about rushing a child or putting pressure on them. It's about providing the right support at the time when their brain is most receptive to it. The gap between a child who learns differently and their peers can widen quickly if left unaddressed, leading to a loss of confidence that is much harder to rebuild later.

If you have a feeling something isn't right, trust your instinct. An evaluation doesn't commit you to years of therapy; it simply gives you information.