When I first walked into a speech therapy evaluation for my child, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous, hopeful, and honestly… a little overwhelmed. If you’re in that place right now, I want to walk you through it — mom to mom (or parent to parent).
Step 1: The Warm Welcome
Usually, the therapist will start by talking to you. They’ll ask about your child’s history — pregnancy, birth, medical issues, and milestones. This is not a test for you; it’s just for them to understand the full picture.
My tip: Bring any reports from your pediatrician, school, or previous therapists.
Step 2: Watching Your Child Play
The evaluation often feels like playtime. The therapist might use puzzles, toys, or picture books. But trust me — they’re looking closely at:
- How your child forms words
- How they understand instructions
- How they use gestures and eye contact
I remember thinking, “Are they really learning anything from this?” — and yes, they were.
Step 3: Formal Testing (But It’s Still Fun)
Sometimes they’ll pull out picture cards or ask your child to repeat words.
For older kids, they might ask them to tell a story or name objects.
It can look simple, but it’s very structured so they can score it accurately.
Step 4: The Parent Talk
At the end, the therapist will share what they saw.
- They might recommend regular therapy sessions.
- They’ll explain your child’s strengths and where support is needed.
- They’ll answer your questions — and yes, you should ask all of them.
My advice: Write questions down before you go so you don’t forget in the moment.
How I Felt Afterwards
I walked away feeling relieved. Even though my child needed support, I finally had a plan. Speech therapy wasn’t scary — it was a partnership.
If you’re about to go through this, know that you are not alone. You’re taking an important step for your child’s future. And trust me — those little gains add up to big changes.
💌 For more resources and my personal tips, visit HirahCares.org.
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