In today’s fast-paced clinical and educational environments, professionals are under increasing pressure to identify, diagnose, and intervene early. While early detection is crucial, especially for neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there’s a growing concern: the tendency to prematurely label children as autistic based solely on speech delays or behavioral challenges.

One of the most common—and emotionally charged—questions we hear from parents is: “When will my child start speaking?”   It’s not just a query. It’s a hope, a worry, and often, a silent plea for reassurance.

As children grow, so do their needs—and for adolescents with special needs, occupational therapy (OT) can be a transformative support system, not just a childhood intervention. Many parents wonder: “Is OT still necessary now that my child is older?” The answer lies not in age, but in evolving goals.

This blog is about the role of toys in language development.