Answers for the first months after a diagnosis.

Take a breath. You don't have to have a plan figured out today. The most useful first steps are:

• Ask your pediatrician or diagnosing clinician for referrals to early intervention and speech therapy.
• Get on any relevant waitlists now, since many have long wait times.
• Start small, connection-focused activities at home — you don't need to wait for a provider to begin supporting your child.

If you want a clear starting point built specifically for your family, that's exactly what parent coaching is for.

You don't have to wait. While official services can take weeks or months to begin, you are already your child's most consistent teacher. Simple, daily interactions, done the right way, can start building communication and connection right now.

Parent coaching exists specifically to help you use this time well instead of feeling stuck in limbo.

Waitlists vary by provider and region, but it's common for families to wait weeks or months for ABA, speech, or OT to begin. While you wait, you can:

• Get on multiple waitlists at once.
• Start early intervention through the CDSA, which often moves faster.
• Begin working with your child at home using strategies built for your family.

Parent coaching is also available without a waitlist, so you can start this week.

More than you might think. Getting on your child's level during play, using simple one- or two-word language, pausing to give them time to respond, and responding to any communication attempt — including gestures, sounds, and reaching — all build the foundation for talking.

Everyday routines like snack time, bath time, and bubbles are some of the easiest places to practice. Read our full guide here →

You can learn many of the same strategies therapists use, and that's exactly what parent coaching teaches you. You won't be delivering formal therapy, but you'll learn how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for your child to communicate, connect, and build skills.

For most families, this works best alongside, not instead of, professional services.

No one can predict exactly how or when a child will begin talking — every child develops differently, and some children communicate through gestures, pictures, or devices alongside or instead of spoken words.

What we do know is that responsive, consistent interaction makes a real difference. The best way to help is to start now, stay consistent, and get support from someone who can tailor strategies to your specific child rather than following generic advice.

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) focuses on building communication, social, and daily living skills, and reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning, using play-based, individualized methods.
• Speech therapy focuses specifically on communication — this can mean spoken words, but also gestures, sign, or communication devices.
• Occupational therapy focuses on sensory processing, fine motor skills, and daily tasks like feeding, dressing, and tolerating different textures or environments.

Most toddlers benefit from some combination of these, and they often work well together rather than one replacing the others.

Children under 3 in North Carolina can be referred to the NC Infant-Toddler Program (early intervention) through your local Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA). You can self-refer — you don't need to wait for a doctor's referral, though your pediatrician can also submit one.

A service coordinator will then help connect you with an evaluation and services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and developmental support. At 3, your child transitions to services through the public school system.

A few good ones:

• Are you a BCBA, and what is your experience with toddlers?
• Will you teach me strategies I can use every day, or only work directly with my child?
• How do you individualize your approach for my child specifically?
• What does a typical session or coaching call look like?
• How will we know if it's working?
• Do you offer anything while we wait for other services to start?

Any provider you work with should be happy to answer these clearly.

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is trained to understand why a child does what they do and to design strategies that build communication and skills while reducing frustration for the whole family.

Traditional ABA often involves a therapist working directly with your child for many hours a week. Parent coaching instead works directly with you, teaching you the strategies so you can use them throughout your child's day — during meals, play, and routines, not just during a therapy session.

It's a strong option for families who are waiting for services, want to be more hands-on, or want to make the most of the hours they're not in formal therapy.