The Language of Play: Dinalynn Rosenbush on Speech, Sign Language, and Waiting Lists

**Summary** Dinalynn Rosenbush, a 30-year speech-language pathologist and creator of the top 1.5% podcast The Language of Play, joins Dr. Inyang Takon to reframe how parents think about speech and language delay. They cover the misconception that only a speech pathologist can move the needle (parents' time and connection matter just as much), why signing supports rather than delays speech, why "play" is not a break from language-building but the mechanism of it, and practical, low-cost strategies parents can use the moment they notice a concern — rather than waiting for an assessment. **Key Takeaways for Parents and Teachers:** - Don't wait for a diagnosis or a waiting-list appointment to start supporting a child's language — early, everyday interaction matters more than parents often realise. - Signing does not delay speech — it gives children access to language through larger muscle groups before fine motor speech control develops, and children naturally transition to spoken words as they become easier. - Parents have something a therapist can't replicate: frequency, time, and connection — pairing that with the right strategies can accelerate progress significantly. - "Play" isn't just toys — sensory exploration (like mashed potatoes at dinner) is also play, and redirecting rather than shutting it down protects the learning opportunity. - If you're on a waiting list, don't just wait — small, consistent daily strategies can start making a difference immediately. **Resources Mentioned:** - The Language of Play podcast - Small Steps in Speech (Amanda Barati) — speech therapy scholarship program **Connect with Dinalynn Rosenbush:** Website: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-language-of-play-kids-that-listen-speech/id1661880535 Freebie — 5 Ways to Get Kids to Listen Better: https://www.thelanguageofplay.com/5-ways-to-get-kids-to-listen-better LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinalynn-rosenbush-b5750854/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557381098806 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinalynnrosenbush/ **Connect with Dr. Inyang Takon:** Website: https://www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents: https://www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email: [eim@drtakon.com](mailto:eim@drtakon.com) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inyang-takon-paediatrician-co-founder-school-doctor-25a0b551/ Subscribe: https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/ Read: https://braindiverse.substack.com/ Guest enquiries: [podcast@drtakon.com](mailto:podcast@drtakon.com) Support the show **Resources & Connect with Dr. Inyang Takon:** Website: www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at [eim@drtakon.com](mailto:eim@drtakon.com) Connect on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician  Read our SUBSTACK Articles for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals  Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com