Speech Delay Therapy in Burbank: What Parents Should Know

From the moment your baby is born, they begin to communicate through cries, facial expressions, eye contact, and body movements. Every coo, babble, and gaze is a form of connection. The way you respond to your child largely shapes how they continue to engage and interact with you in daily routines. Knowing how to communicate with your child is the first step in creating a rich learning environment for them. 

How to Help Your Child with a Speech Delay

Here are simple and effective ways to build your child’s communication skills through everyday interactions:

1. Drop the “say” and just say it!

Young children with a speech delay learn language by hearing it often in natural, low-pressure situations. When we turn words into commands, like “say dog!” it could put pressure on the child, especially if they’re not ready. Situations like this also turn speech into a command, not a connection with the parent or caregiver. Instead, I encourage parents to model, model, model! This gives the child a chance to hear the words and imitate them when THEY are ready. 

2. Simplify your speech

It's a common misconception that fostering a language-rich environment for your child with a speech delay means constantly using complex or overly long sentences. But actually, the best thing you can do is simplify your speech and match your child’s level of communication. Before a child uses a word meaningfully, they need to understand it first. Modeling short, clear words helps build their receptive language– their ability to understand what you’re saying. This is the first step before speech comes. General rule of thumb is to speak at or just above your child’s current language use. If your child uses 1 word, model single words and 2-word phrases. If your child combines 2-word phrases, use 2-3-word phrases with them. Remember, even if you talk in short phrases and your child doesn’t respond, that’s okay! Giving your child time and space to absorb what they hear without the pressure of performing is where real language learning happens. 

3. Repetition and routines

Repetition and routines are essential building blocks for children with a speech delay. Young children don’t just need to hear a word once or twice to learn it – they need to hear it dozens, even hundreds of times in real-life situations. Repetition helps strengthen the brain’s language pathways and helps build meaning by connecting words to actions, objects, and emotions. For example, if you say “milk” every time you hand them their bottle, they start to understand: “Oh! This word goes with this thing I like.” Eventually, they’ll begin to anticipate the word, understand it, and maybe even try saying it! 

Daily routines – like meals, diaper changes, bath time, and bedtime are repeating language-rich moments that your child experiences over and over. Modeling and repetition in your child’s routine builds their understanding before speaking. Even if your child isn’t saying words yet, they are still soaking up tons of information. Hearing the same words in the same routine builds their understanding of language. Once this foundation is strong, expressive language (talking) can follow. Every child learns at their own pace and repeating words in consistent routines supports all types of learners. These moments give children multiple chances to hear, understand, and eventually try new language in a natural, stress-free way. 

Here are some examples of how to use repetition to support speech and language during everyday moments:

Routine	What to Repeat
Mealtime	“Yum”, “Apple”, “Milk”, “Eat”
Bathtime	“Wash”, “Bath”, “Water”, “Soap”
Getting dressed	“Shirt on”, “Sock”, “Put on”
Diaper change	“Wipe wipe”, “All done”
Bedtime	“Night night”, “Book”, “Blanket”

4. Follow their lead - copy signs and gestures

Following your child’s lead means tuning in to what they are interested in, watching what they’re doing, and joining in without taking over. Instead of directing or controlling the play (“Put the cow in the barn!”), you let your child choose what they want to play with, how they want to play, and how long they want to stay there. This creates a safe, low-pressure environment where your child feels seen, heard, and valued. And when a child with a speech delay feels understood, they’re more likely to engage, communicate, and take social risks—like trying a new word or gesture.

5. Reading skills

Reading together isn’t just about finishing a story—it’s about building connection, language, and a love for books. Here’s how to make reading time with your child simple, playful, and developmentally powerful:

Let Them Choose the Book

Even if it’s the same book for the 100th time—yes, let them pick! Repetition is how toddlers learn language. When they choose the book, they feel in control and are more excited to engage.

Get Face-to-Face

Sit beside or across from your child so they can see your face and the book. Toddlers learn through facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. Being close also makes reading feel more like a shared moment and less like a performance.

Don’t Worry About Reading Every Word

You don’t have to read the whole book or follow it word-for-word. Instead:

• Point to pictures and name what you see.

• Use short phrases: “Big dog!” “Uh-oh, he fell.”

• Describe what’s happening in your own words.

  
  

Your toddler learns more from your voice and attention than from perfect storytelling.

Talk About the Pictures

Books are full of rich images that spark conversation:

• “What’s that?” (as you point to a ball)

• “The kitty is sleeping. Shhh…”

• “I see a red truck! Beep beep!”

Even before your toddler uses words, these kinds of comments and questions help build vocabulary and comprehension.

Use Sound Effects, Gestures, and Silly Voices

Toddlers love exaggerated sounds and actions. Growl like a bear, woosh like the wind, or clap when something exciting happens. This keeps your child’s attention and makes reading joyful.

Follow Their Lead

If your toddler wants to skip ahead, go back, or talk about just one page for five minutes—that’s okay! Let them explore at their own pace. Your job is to respond, not rush.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Even just 3–5 minutes of book time counts! Toddlers have short attention spans. You can always come back to the book later. Little moments add up.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Children with a speech delay thrive on repetition. Reading the same books over and over builds confidence, memory, and early literacy skills. If they finish the sentence before you do—celebrate it!

The way you speak to your child shapes how they respond to you. When communication feels like a long list of demands — “Sit down,” “Stop that,” “Hurry up” — it can lead to resistance, frustration, or tuning out. But when you turn everyday interactions into playful, positive moments, your child is more likely to listen, engage, and even cooperate.

These early interaction lay the foundation for language, bonding, and social development. 

When caregivers respond with eye contact, gentle words, and soothing tones, children with a speech delay start to learn the power of communication.

Supporting Families in Burbank and Beyond

Speech Evolution Therapy is based in Burbank, serving toddlers and families throughout the local area. We work with families from Alhambra, Bel Air, Beverly Grove, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Century City, Encino, Glendale, Malibu, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks.

We also offer teletherapy, providing the same personalized care in a virtual setting for families who prefer remote sessions.

If you’ve been searching for speech therapy for toddlers in Burbank, you’re already taking an important step in supporting your child’s future. Early communication challenges are common, but with the right guidance and care, your toddler can build the confidence and skills they need to thrive.

At Speech Evolution Therapy, you’ll find more than just speech support—you’ll find a trusted partner in your child’s development. We are here to help every child express themselves fully and joyfully.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit www.speechevotherapy.com or call us at 808-358-2026.