Follow your child’s lead
Shelley uses your child’s interests and natural play to create meaningful reasons to communicate.
Early language support • Santa Barbara
Support for Late Talkers and Early Communicators
Play-based support for young children who use fewer words than expected, have difficulty combining words or become frustrated when they cannot express what they need.
What parents may notice
Questions Often Begin at Home
You may recognize one concern or several. These signs do not diagnose a condition, but they can be useful starting points for a conversation.
My child is using fewer words than I expected at this age.
My child communicates with gestures but is not yet using many spoken words.
My child understands familiar routines but has difficulty expressing ideas.
My child becomes frustrated when I cannot understand what they want.
I am receiving conflicting advice about whether to wait or seek an evaluation.
Understanding the service
Language Is More Than Counting Words
Early communication includes understanding words, using gestures, sharing attention, taking turns, expressing needs and beginning to combine ideas. Children can show different strengths across these areas.
The term “late talker” often describes a young child whose spoken vocabulary develops later than expected. It does not explain why language is developing differently or predict a child’s outcome on its own.
An individualized evaluation helps Shelley understand your child’s communication strengths, needs, play skills, everyday routines and the concerns that matter most to your family.
Shelley’s approach
Individualized, Engaging and Clinically Thoughtful
Build communication broadly
Support may include understanding, gestures, sounds, words, combinations and confident participation—not only word counts.
Coach everyday strategies
Parents learn responsive techniques they can use during meals, play, books and familiar routines.
What support may look like
Learning Through Connection and Play
Recommendations and activities depend on your child’s individual evaluation, readiness and family priorities.
- Child-led play that creates natural opportunities to communicate
- Simple language models matched to your child’s current level
- Songs, books, movement and sensory-rich routines when appropriate
- Strategies that support both understanding and expression
- Ideas parents can repeat naturally during daily life
Parents are part of the plan
Practical Support Beyond the Session
You know your child’s routines, preferences and communication better than anyone. Shelley listens to what works at home and helps you use small, responsive strategies during moments that already happen each day.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful Answers Before You Begin
Still unsure? A free consultation gives you space to explain what you are noticing and ask questions specific to your child.
Explore early-language resourcesShould I wait and see?
Children develop at different rates, but parent concerns are worth discussing. A consultation or evaluation can provide useful information without assuming that every child needs ongoing therapy.
What is the difference between understanding and speaking?
Receptive language is how a child understands words and messages. Expressive language is how they communicate ideas using gestures, sounds, words or sentences. Shelley considers both.
Will therapy feel like school?
Early language support is typically built through play, connection and everyday routines. Activities are adapted to the child’s interests and developmental level.
How are parents involved?
Parents are active partners. Shelley explains what she is doing, invites observation or participation when appropriate and offers realistic strategies for home.
A reassuring first step
Let’s Find the Right Next Step for Your Child
You don’t need to have all the answers before reaching out. Share what you’re noticing, ask your questions and learn what support may be right for your child.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation