01.Before the appointment
Once you book, you'll get a packet with intake forms, medical history, and developmental questions. Filling these out thoroughly helps your therapist hit the ground running. Bring any prior reports (school, pediatrician, other therapies), recent IEPs or 504s, and your insurance card. If your child uses glasses, hearing aids, AAC, or comfort items, bring them — we want to see your child at their best.
02.What we do during the evaluation
Evaluations typically last 60–90 minutes and happen in our open play gym. Your therapist will guide your child through standardized assessment tools and play-based observations to look at strengths, challenges, and how your child uses skills functionally. It looks like play because it is — but every interaction is gathering meaningful clinical information.
03.Talking with you
While your child plays and explores, your therapist will talk with you about your concerns, what a typical day looks like, what's working, what isn't, and what you most want to see change. You are the expert on your child. Your story shapes the evaluation as much as the standardized scores do.
04.After the evaluation
Your therapist will share initial impressions before you leave. A full written report follows within about 10–14 business days, including standardized scores, clinical observations, recommended frequency and duration of therapy, and proposed goals. You'll then meet to review the plan of care together.
05.What you'll receive
A complete written evaluation report, a recommended plan of care, and clear next steps for scheduling, insurance authorization, and parent education. Bring questions to the review meeting — this is your child's program and we want you involved.
How to prep your child
Tell them they're going to a fun gym to play with a new helper. Skip the word 'test.' Bring a snack and water. If your child is shy, plan to arrive 10 minutes early so they can warm up to the space.
Frequently asked
Do I stay during the evaluation?+
Yes — parents are always welcome. For some sessions, your therapist may ask you to step into the observation area briefly to see how your child performs without you, but you'll never be far away.
What if my child melts down or won't participate?+
Totally normal. We expect it. Your therapist is trained to gather clinical information from any behavior — including refusal — and we can always reschedule pieces of the evaluation if needed.
Will insurance cover the evaluation?+
Most plans cover therapy evaluations with a referral. Our team will verify benefits before your appointment and walk you through any expected costs.