What to Expect: Speech & Occupational Therapy Evaluations

We know evaluations can feel a little overwhelming, but they are simply a way for us to better understand your child’s strengths and areas where they may need support. Our goal is to make the process fun, comfortable, and stress-free for both you and your child.

A Note to Families:

Every child develops at their own pace. The purpose of an evaluation is to better understand how we can support your child’s growth, confidence, and participation in everyday life.

We are here to support you every step of the way.

What to Expect in a Speech Evaluation

A speech-language pathologist will look at how your child communicates, understands language, and uses speech sounds.

During an evaluation, your child may:

Play with toys and engage in fun activities
Follow simple directions or answer questions
Name objects, pictures, or actions
Repeat sounds or words
Participate in play-based interaction

The therapist may also ask you questions about how your child communicates at home and in other environments.

What to Expect in an Occupational Therapy (OT) Evaluation

An occupational therapist looks at how your child participates in everyday activities like play, self-care, and school-related tasks.

During the evaluation, your child may:

Play with toys that assess fine and gross motor skills
Complete simple tasks like stacking, drawing, or puzzles
Practice age-appropriate self-care skills (if applicable)
Participate in movement-based activities
Explore sensory-based play (textures, movement, etc.)

The therapist will also ask about your child’s routines, behaviors, and independence at home.

Parent/Caregiver Involvement

Your input is one of the most important parts of the evaluation. You may be asked about:

Developmental history
Daily routines (meals, sleep, play, self-care)
Strengths and challenges you’ve noticed
Your goals and concerns for your child

After the Evaluation

After the evaluation is complete, the therapist will:

Review the results with you
Discuss your child’s strengths and areas of need
Provide recommendations and next steps
Discuss whether therapy services are recommended

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and talk through everything before moving forward.