Guides
September 20, 2025What to Expect in Your Child's First Speech Therapy Session
Prepare for your child's first speech therapy appointment. Learn how evaluations work, what therapists assess, and how goals are created.
The first speech therapy session is an important milestone for families. Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and ensures you feel confident and informed. This guide explains how evaluations work, what {{therapists}} look for, how goals are created, and what happens next.
Before the Session
Most {{therapists}} send intake forms beforehand. These may ask about:
- Birth and medical history
- Developmental milestones
- Current concerns
- School reports
- Family languages
- Previous evaluations
During the Evaluation
The first appointment is typically an assessment session. It may include:
- Play-based interaction
- Observation of communication behaviors
- Standardized tests
- Speech sound inventory
- Receptive and expressive language tasks
- Social communication evaluation
- How your child plays
- How they respond to questions
- Their ability to imitate sounds or gestures
- Attention, engagement, and communication style
Child-Centered Approach
A great {{therapist}} builds rapport first. You might see:
- Toys chosen based on your child's interests
- Flexible activities
- Breaks and movement
- Positive reinforcement
What Parents Do During the Session
Depending on the {{therapist}}, parents may:
- Observe quietly
- Participate in play
- Take notes
- Ask questions afterward
What Happens After the Evaluation
The {{therapist}} reviews results and explains:
- Strengths and challenges
- Whether therapy is recommended
- Suggested frequency (e.g., weekly sessions)
- Initial therapy goals
- What progress may look like
- At-home strategies
Therapy Plan & Goals
Goals may focus on:
- Expanding vocabulary
- Improving clarity
- Increasing sentence length
- Supporting social communication
- Strengthening sound production
- Building phonological awareness
What Follow-Up Sessions Look Like
Sessions are usually:
- 30–60 minutes
- Play-based
- Structured but flexible
- Focused on target skills
- Supported by parent involvement
- Visual supports
- Games
- Picture cards
- Literacy activities
- AAC tools when appropriate
How Parents Support Success
You'll receive practical activities to try at home:
- Modeling words during play
- Expanding your child's phrases
- Practicing speech sounds
- Using routines for language learning
Final Thoughts
The first session is about understanding, connection, and planning—not performance. A strong {{therapist}}-family partnership lays the foundation for progress, confidence, and joy in communication.