Noticing the Signs: When therapy Might Help Your Child Thrive
How to Know When to Seek a Therapy Evaluation
As parents and caregivers, it’s natural to notice every little thing your child does — their habits, routines, preferences, and even the things they avoid. You might find yourself wondering:
“Is this just part of their personality, or should I be concerned?”
“They’ll grow out of it… right?”
“Do I wait and see or get help now?”
These are incredibly common (and valid) questions. At Southern Pediatric Therapy, we often meet families who’ve wrestled with these thoughts for months — even years — before deciding to reach out. So we wanted to take a moment to break things down and give you a simple guide to help you know when it might be time to seek a therapy evaluation.
🚩 Common Signs It Might Be “Something More”
Every child is unique, but there are a few key areas where persistent difficulties may point to the need for support:
🧠 Developmental Milestones
If your child is significantly behind in walking, talking, or other age-appropriate skills — or if they seem to skip milestones altogether — that could be a signal to check in.
Examples: Not walking by 18 months, limited or no speech by age 2, difficulty using both hands together, or trouble with coordination and balance.
🍽️ Feeding Challenges
Picky eating is normal, but when mealtimes become a major source of stress, or your child only eats a handful of foods, it may be time for a feeding therapy evaluation.
Examples: Refusing entire food groups, choking/gagging frequently, poor weight gain, or anxiety around food textures.
💬 Communication Delays
If your child struggles to express themselves, follow directions, or interact with others — or if their speech is difficult for others to understand — a speech evaluation may be helpful.
Examples: Not answering to their name, avoiding eye contact, limited vocabulary, or trouble forming sentences appropriate for their age.
✋ Sensory or Behavioral Concerns
Big reactions to noises, textures, or transitions may signal sensory processing difficulties. Occupational therapy can help children regulate their responses and feel more comfortable in their environments.
Examples: Meltdowns during grooming (brushing teeth/hair), avoiding certain clothing, trouble with attention or following directions, or constant movement/fidgeting.
💬 What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you’re noticing any of the signs above — or just have a gut feeling that something isn’t quite right — the best first step is to talk to a professional. You don’t need a referral or diagnosis to request a developmental screening or evaluation at SPT.
We’re here to listen, offer guidance, and help you understand whether your child’s challenges are within the range of typical — or if some extra support could help unlock their full potential.
🧡 Why Early Intervention Matters
Early support can make a big difference. The earlier challenges are identified, the sooner a plan can be created to help your child thrive — whether that’s in therapy, at home, at school, or all of the above. And even if it is “just a quirk,” a professional perspective can give you peace of mind.
📞 Ready to Chat?
At Southern Pediatric Therapy, we offer evaluations in speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and pelvic floor therapy — all in a fun, family-centered environment where your child’s needs come first.
We’re always happy to talk through your concerns, explain the process, and help you decide what’s best for your child.
👉 Reach out today for more information or to schedule an evaluation:
662-469-2906
info@spt-team.com
https://www.southernpediatrictherapy.com/request-an-appointment