What to Expect During Your First Speech Therapy Evaluation

Starting speech therapy for your child can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what the first session — the evaluation — will look like. At Charm City Speech, we want you to feel prepared, informed, and confident every step of the way.

Here’s a look at what you can expect during your child’s first speech therapy evaluation.

1. A Warm Welcome and Conversation

The evaluation often begins with a relaxed conversation. We’ll take time to talk with you about your child’s history, your concerns, and your goals. This helps us understand your child beyond the paperwork and ensures the session is as comfortable as possible.

2. Reviewing Background Information

We’ll look over any previous reports, medical history, IEPs, or teacher feedback you provide. This background helps us see the big picture and design the evaluation to meet your child’s unique needs

3. The Assessment Activities

Every evaluation is individualized, but typically includes:

• Play-based activities for younger children to observe speech and language naturally.

• Standardized tests to measure skills like articulation, language, fluency, and social communication.

• Informal observations to see how your child communicates in real-life interactions.

Don’t worry — most children think of it as “playtime” or a fun game!

4. Immediate Feedback

Before you leave, we’ll share our initial impressions and answer your questions. While the full report may take a few days, you’ll walk out with a clear sense of next steps — whether that’s starting therapy, monitoring progress, or seeking additional evaluations.

5. A Written Report and Plan

Within a few days, you’ll receive a written report outlining your child’s strengths, areas of need, and tailored recommendations. This document serves as your roadmap for therapy and, if needed, for school meetings or IEP discussions.

6. Next Steps

From there, we’ll discuss scheduling therapy sessions and creating a plan that fits your family’s needs and goals. Whether you choose weekly sessions, a home program, or a combination, we’ll guide you through every decision.

Your child’s first speech therapy evaluation is simply the beginning of their communication journey. At Charm City Speech, our goal is to make the process easy, stress-free, and focused on your child’s success.

If you’re ready to book your child’s evaluation in Maryland, contact us today — let’s take the first step together.