The Silent Struggle: What 62% Of Parents Are Noticing—But Few Are Getting Help For

As kids gear up to head back to school, a new survey is revealing an alarming reality: developmental delays are far more common than most realize, yet many families are still waiting for help. According to Coral Care’s latest report, the majority of parents surveyed have observed challenges like speech and language delays, emotional regulation issues, sensory sensitivities, and even feeding struggles in their children—but nearly half have no services in place. In this candid Q&A, we speak with Jen Wirt, CEO/Founder of Coral Care, about why families are feeling stuck, what early intervention really looks like today, and how to access the support kids need—before the school bell rings. —Noa Nichol

You’ve described your own journey as one filled with dead ends and helplessness—how did that personal experience shape your mission to launch Coral Care?

A: When my daughter showed early signs of a developmental delay, I was shocked by how hard it was to get help, even with resources, knowledge, and a strong network. I ran into closed doors, six-month plus waitlists, and a maze of steps and phone calls. That sense of helplessness never left me. Coral Care was born from that experience. I wanted to create the solution that I couldn’t find, a way for families to access expert support in a way that is manageable and attainable.

The report reveals that 45% of families who report developmental concerns have no services in place. What does that number mean to you personally as a mother—and as a founder trying to change the system?

A: That number breaks my heart because behind every statistic is a child missing out on critical time to grow and thrive. As a mom, I know what it feels like to watch the clock tick while your child struggles. As a founder, it is a clear call to action. Coral Care exists to close that gap so no parent has to sit in limbo wondering if they are doing enough.

Speech delays were the most common concern among parents—many describing heartbreak at not being able to connect with their child. What are the emotional consequences for families who are told to simply “wait and see”?

A: “Wait and see” sounds harmless, but for parents it can feel like agony. Communication is how we bond with our children. When that is not happening, parents often feel guilt, fear, and isolation. Meanwhile, the child misses valuable early support. The truth is that early help changes everything. Waiting rarely does.

One of the most alarming findings is that even insured families face months-long waitlists and denials. Why is the current system failing so many children—even those considered “covered”?

A: Coverage does not equal access. Insurance might say “yes” on paper, but if there are not enough providers in-network or if those providers don’t have open capacity or if approvals take weeks, families still wait. The system is fragmented and reactive. We need solutions that make care both covered and reachable. That is what Coral Care is solving by building an expansive team of local in-network clinicians and managing the admin so families can focus on their child, not the red tape.

Feeding and sensory issues are often brushed off as quirks—but your report paints a very different, much more serious picture. Can you share a story that really stuck with you from these findings?

A: One parent told us about her toddler who gagged at every meal. She was told, “She’ll grow out of it.” Months later, mealtimes had become traumatic for the child and the whole family. That is not a quirk. That is a sign a child needs help. What struck me is how many parents shared similar stories where small issues snowball into daily battles because they are dismissed too soon.

What do you say to the parent who knows something is wrong but feels dismissed, confused, or too overwhelmed to take the next step?

A: First, you are not imagining things and you are not alone. Trust your instincts. If you are worried, that is a signal to act. Start small, and schedule an evaluation with a pediatric therapist. It’s a great way to get real answers about your child and a plan for next steps. That is why we built Coral Care, to make that first step easier, faster, and less overwhelming.

Many families fall through the cracks—not qualifying for public help but unable to pay privately. What does Coral Care do differently to make early support more accessible?

A: We partner with major insurers so families can use their benefits, and we handle all the billing and credentialing complexity that often keeps clinicians from accepting insurance. For parents, that means high-quality, in-home therapy without months of waiting or crushing out-of-pocket costs. 

You’ve emphasized that care should happen where life happens—in living rooms and playrooms, not just clinics. Why is this real-world setting so powerful for developmental progress?

A: Kids learn best in the environments where they live and play. When therapy happens at home, parents are part of the process and strategies are woven into daily routines. That is what creates lasting change because development does not happen on a clinic schedule and parents have to be equipped to support their child in between the sessions. 

This report clearly isn’t just data—it’s a call to action. What change would you most like to see from policymakers, educators, or even fellow parents in response?

A: We need to stop treating developmental care as optional or “nice to have.” It is foundational to a child’s ability to participate and excel in school and in life. Policymakers should prioritize early identification and insurance coverage. Schools should see developmental support as core to readiness. And parents, trust your gut. Early action is everything.

If you could reassure every parent who reads this report and sees their child in its pages, what would you want them to know about what’s possible with the right kind of support?

A: I would tell them this: You are not failing your child and it is not too late. With the right help, kids can make incredible progress. I have seen it in my own family and in thousands of others. There is hope, and there are people ready to help you take the next step.