Initial Evaluations
A child is typically referred for therapy after he/she receives their diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician (DevPed). The initial evaluation is done to maximize their overall developmental potential by designing an individualized program for the child. Most importantly, this Initial Evaluation Report (IER) will serve as a benchmark in tracking your child's progress in the future.
The process can seem intimidating but shouldn’t be! This page will try to inform you as much as possible on what to expect and prepare.
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Step 1: Meeting with the therapist
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During the initial evaluation, the parent/caregiver will have an opportunity to express any concerns they might have as related to their child’s development. They would also be asked to fill up a form about the child. The team of therapist/s will ask questions related to birth/medical history.
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Step 2: The initial evaluation starts
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Depending on what type of therapy it is that you want to avail or your DevPed has recommended, click on the links below on what is most relevant to you.
Occupational
Physical
Speech
Feeding
Tips to Prepare
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While not a requirement, there are things that a parent/caregiver can do proactively to ensure that the evaluation runs smoothly/best addresses their needs:
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Locate all medical documents/past evaluations from birth on: having these on hand can assist the providers in taking medical history and ensuring that they have the most detailed background in assessing the child
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Make a list of questions/concerns you may have ahead of time: it can be easy to forget concerns you may have during the evaluation, try to keep a list handy so that you don’t forget them while the therapists are present
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Make a list of developmental milestones/words your child has achieved: the therapists will want to know when your child has achieved major developmental milestones and what words, if any, they are saying (verbally or signing) in order to get a better overall picture of the child
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Schedule the initial evaluation at a time best for your child: try to schedule the initial evaluation at a time when your child will be the most available to actively play. This may mean scheduling around nap time and/or around feeding schedule so that the therapists can get a good picture of your child at their best