Step 1: Preparing for a Speech Therapy Evaluation

Starting speech therapy can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering: Do I need to prepare anything ahead of time? How do we get started? We’re here to ease your worries and help you feel confident as you take this next step.

At OWLS Therapy, we believe that when families feel prepared and supported, the therapy experience is smoother and children feel more comfortable and confident as they begin.

Getting Started

We offer a free consultation with a licensed speech-language pathologist. During this time, we listen to  your concerns, answer questions, and discuss the evaluation your child may need, tailored to their unique needs and your family’s goals and values.

Once scheduled, the evaluation will vary in length depending on your child’s needs and areas being assessed.

What to Prepare for the Evaluation

1. Paperwork

Before the evaluation, you’ll complete our intake paperwork that helps us get to know your child better. This background information allows us to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and overall development. Helpful materials may include:

• Medical or developmental history

• School or daycare reports

• Previous therapy evaluations or progress notes

• Observations you’ve noticed at home

You’re also welcome to share any audio or video recordings of your child during the evaluation. These additional materials help us gain a more complete picture of your child and we truly welcome them.

Tip: Keep a small notebook or notes app handy in the days leading up to the evaluation. Jot down questions, observations, or concerns as they come up so you don’t have to remember everything during the appointment.

2. Questions

Having questions is not only normal, it’s encouraged. We value a collaborative partnership and want everyone to feel informed and comfortable. Common questions families ask during the evaluation include:

• What can I do at home right now to support my child?

• What does speech therapy typically look like?

• How often will sessions be recommended?

No question is too small. We’re here to help support during this evaluation process!

3. Preparing the Environment

Setting up a comfortable space for the evaluation can be helpful. This might look like:

• Clearing a table or floor area for play-based activities

• Choosing a quiet, familiar space where your child feels at ease

Familiar items, such as your child’s favorite toy, book, or stuffed animal, are absolutely welcome. These items can help your child feel relaxed and may even encourage more communication. Since a new therapist is entering your child’s space, our goal is to make the environment as comfortable as possible so we can see your child at their best.

You know your child best and we encourage you to do whatever helps them feel at ease.

4. An Open Mindset

Children learn from us and your mindset matters! This is a new step for your family, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Our therapists are here to support both you and your child every step of the way. Coming in with an open, collaborative mindset helps set the foundation for a positive and successful therapy journey.

Following the Evaluation

Once the evaluation is complete, your therapist will share a comprehensive evaluation report based on observations, background history, and both informal and formal assessments completed during the session. This report will include recommendations, goals, and a plan of care tailored specifically to your child’s needs, as well as your child’s, and your family’s, goals.Our goal is to create a plan of care that truly reflects what your child needs most. 

Your speech-language pathologist will then work with you to schedule therapy sessions and determine the appropriate frequency and length based on the plan of care and your family’s availability.

From there, speech therapy begins…and that’s when the fun really starts!

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of this series, Step 2: Getting Ready for Your First Speech Therapy Session, where we’ll walk you through what to expect once therapy begins.

Searching for speech therapy near me?

Reach out to us for a free consultation! During the consultation, we can determine if an evaluation is recommended and answer any questions you may have. We’re here to support your child’s development every step of the way.