This guide can provide more information about the intial evaluation and treatment appointments so you may develop a better understanding of the theraputic process. If you have questions about your appointment, please give our office a call. We are here to help!
For the evaluation, plan on arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with your child’s insurance card. During the appointment, your attention and participation in the appointment is fundamental to a thorough evaluation.
What is within the scope of Speech Therapy?
As pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists, we are concerned about your child’s ability to communicate. This includes things like speech sound articulation, understanding and use of language, and social communication. It is our goal to increase their ability to be understood and communicate effectively in their daily activities.
What happens in a Speech Therapy Evaluation?
To complete an evaluation we conduct an interview, complete standardized and non-standardized tests, and make clinical observations. Prior to coming in, families will complete paperwork about their child’s medical history, birth and development, and areas of concern. Families may also complete the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI) Words & Gestures or Words and Sentences to give us a better understanding of your child’s use and understanding of language.
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During the evaluation we will look at your child’s abilities in the following areas, as relevant for your child:
Speech sound production- Expressive language (what your child says)
- Receptive language (what your child understands)
- Social communication (non-verbal communication, tone of voice, and participating in conversations)
- Feeding and swallowing
- Oral anatomy and function
Speech sound productionWhat comes next?
By the end of the evaluation, your therapist will share whether therapy would be beneficial and if so, the reccomended frequency of appointments. At that time, you can discuss scheduling with our Patient Care Coordinators at the front desk. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization to schedule, in which case we will give you a call once we can proceed.
Following the evaluation, we create a full report including our findings, along with a plan of care for future visits if additional treatment is recommended.
At the first treatment visit, We will present and discuss the results of the evaluation with you and answer any questions you may have.
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO OPTIMIZE THERAPY IS TO SHOW UP, BE READY TO LEARN AND GET INVOLVED IN SESSIONS.
Pediatric therapy differs from typical medical professions in the sense that parent involvement within the clinic and home is essential to making progress. Therapy is not only a once a week 30 minute time commitment, in order to truly see change, it is important to practice, practice, practice!
I always tell my clients that things that are difficult now become easier with time and effort. Truly committing to the therapeutic process can help your child be successful, and can also serve as a good example of how hard work and dedication is essential to achieving goals.
After completing a course of treatment, your ST will review the goals and progress made with you.
While it varies for each individual, a course of treatment is generally up to 12, 30 minute appointments occurring on a weekly basis. After completing a course of treatment, your ST will review the goals and progress made with you. A break may be indicated at this time to see how your child progresses at home with their home exercise program. You may also bring up new concerns that can be addressed through ST or upgrade goals as necessary. Ultimately, our goal at Connect the Dots and as STs is to help your child achieve their highest potential.
We look forward to meeting with you and your child soon to help your family grow and flourish!