What to Expect at Your First Speech Therapy Evaluation

You've made the appointment for your child's speech therapy evaluation—congratulations on taking this important step! If you're feeling nervous or unsure about what to expect, you're not alone. Many parents feel anxious before their first visit. This guide will walk you through exactly what happens during an evaluation, how to prepare, and what comes next.

Before the Evaluation: How to Prepare

A little preparation can help the evaluation go smoothly and ensure we get the most accurate picture of your child's abilities.

What to Bring

✓ Any previous evaluations or reports (school, medical, developmental)
✓ List of your concerns and questions
✓ Information about developmental history
✓ Your child's favorite small toy or comfort item
✓ A snack (evaluations can be tiring!)
✓ Insurance card and identification

Preparing Your Child

✓ Explain in simple terms: "We're going to play games with someone who helps kids talk"
✓ Keep it positive—avoid words like "test" or "doctor"
✓ Make sure they're well-rested and fed
✓ Avoid scheduling during nap time if possible
✓ Let them know you'll be there with them

What Happens During the Evaluation

At Clear Sky Speech Therapy, evaluations typically last 60-90 minutes and include several components. Here's what you can expect:

Parent Interview (15-20 minutes)

We'll start by talking with you about your concerns, your child's developmental history, and your goals. This is your chance to share everything you've observed—the more information you provide, the better. I'll ask about:

Birth and medical history
Developmental milestones
Current communication abilities
Family history of speech/language concerns
Your specific concerns and goals

Rapport Building (5-10 minutes)

Before any formal assessment, I spend time getting to know your child in a relaxed, playful way. This helps them feel comfortable and shows me how they communicate naturally. We might play with toys, read a book, or just chat—whatever helps your child warm up.

Standardized Testing (20-40 minutes)

Depending on your child's age and concerns, I may use standardized tests to measure specific skills. These look like games or activities and might include:

Naming pictures or objects
Following directions
Repeating words or sentences
Answering questions about stories
Playing with toys while I observe

Informal Assessment & Observation

I also gather information through play-based observation and conversation. This helps me understand how your child uses language in natural contexts—not just their "best" performance on a test. I'm looking at:

How they initiate and respond to communication
Speech sound clarity in conversation
Sentence structure and grammar
Vocabulary use
Social communication skills

Initial Feedback & Discussion (10-15 minutes)

At the end of the evaluation, I'll share my initial observations and answer your questions. While the full written report takes additional time, I'll give you a clear picture of:

Your child's strengths
Areas of concern (if any)
Whether I recommend therapy
General treatment approach
Next steps

What I Look for During an Evaluation

As a speech-language pathologist, I assess multiple areas of communication. Here's what I'm evaluating:

Receptive Language

Understanding language—following directions, understanding questions, comprehending vocabulary and concepts.

Expressive Language

Using language—vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, storytelling, and expressing ideas.

Articulation/Phonology

Speech sound production—clarity, sound errors, patterns of errors, and overall intelligibility.

Fluency

Rhythm and flow of speech—stuttering, cluttering, or other disruptions to smooth speech.

Voice & Resonance

Quality of voice—pitch, volume, nasality, and any concerns about vocal health.

Social Communication

Pragmatic skills—turn-taking, eye contact, understanding social cues, conversation skills.

After the Evaluation: What Happens Next

Following the evaluation, here's what you can expect:

Written Report

Within 1-2 weeks, you'll receive a comprehensive written report summarizing the assessment results, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations. This document can be shared with schools, pediatricians, and other providers.

Treatment Plan

If therapy is recommended, I'll develop an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals based on evaluation findings and your family's priorities.

Scheduling Therapy

We'll discuss scheduling options for ongoing therapy sessions. Typically, children attend therapy 1-2 times per week, with sessions lasting 30-45 minutes.

Home Activities

You'll receive suggestions for activities you can do at home to support your child's communication development, even before therapy begins.

Common Questions Parents Ask

"What if my child won't cooperate?"

Don't worry! I'm experienced in working with children of all temperaments. If your child is shy, tired, or uncooperative, I have strategies to gather the information I need. An "uncooperative" session still tells me valuable things about your child.

"Should I stay in the room?"

For young children, yes—your presence usually helps them feel secure. For older children, we may do part of the evaluation with you present and part without, depending on what works best.

"What if the evaluation shows nothing is wrong?"

That's great news! Many parents feel relieved to learn their child is developing typically. If you still have concerns, I can provide developmental guidance and activities to support continued growth.

"How accurate is the evaluation?"

Speech evaluations are highly reliable when conducted by a qualified SLP. I use a combination of standardized tests (with known validity and reliability) and clinical observation to get a complete picture.

Ready to Schedule Your Child's Evaluation?

Taking the first step is the hardest part—and you've already done the research. Whether you're in Park City, Utah or the Heber Valley, Clear Sky Speech Therapy is here to help your child communicate with confidence.

Schedule Evaluation Call 435-248-2135