What to Expect in Your Child's First Speech Therapy Session

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

Sharing detailed information helps the {{therapist}} tailor the session.

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

{{Therapists}} observe:

• 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

{{Therapists}} also clarify how progress will be tracked.

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

The {{therapist}} may use:

• 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.