Quick Answer
A therapy evaluation typically includes a parent interview, observation of your child, and standardized testing. The goal is to determine whether your child qualifies for services and, if so, what goals to target. Evaluations usually take 1 to 3 hours and result in a written report with recommendations.
If your pediatrician has recommended an evaluation for speech therapy, ABA, occupational therapy, or another service, you might be feeling anxious. What will they ask? What will they do with my child? What if my child doesn't cooperate?
Here's the truth: evaluations can feel intimidating, but they're designed to be helpful, not stressful. The evaluator's job is to understand your child's strengths and challenges so they can create a plan that actually works.
This guide walks you through exactly what happens during a pediatric therapy evaluation so you know what to expect. For more on recognizing when an evaluation is needed, visit: Signs your child needs therapy.
Preparing
Most evaluations work best when your child is rested, fed, and in a decent mood. Try to schedule the evaluation at a time when your child is typically at their best (not right before naptime or when they're hungry).
You don't need to drill your child or practice skills beforehand. The evaluator wants to see how your child performs naturally, not how they perform after intensive coaching.
For younger children, you can explain it simply: "We're going to meet someone who plays with kids and helps them learn new things. You'll play some games and answer some questions." Keep it low-pressure.
The Parent Interview
Most evaluations start with a parent interview. The evaluator will ask about:
- Your child's developmental history (when they hit major milestones like walking, talking, toilet training)
- Your specific concerns (what prompted you to seek an evaluation)
- Your child's daily routines, strengths, and challenges
- Medical history, including any diagnoses, medications, or hospitalizations
- Family history of developmental or learning challenges
This part usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Be honest and thorough. The evaluator isn't judging you as a parent — they're trying to get a complete picture of your child so they can help.
Observation & Interaction
After the interview, the evaluator will spend time observing and interacting with your child. What this looks like depends on the type of evaluation:
For Speech Therapy Evaluations
The speech-language pathologist (SLP) will observe how your child communicates, both verbally and nonverbally. They'll look at articulation (how clearly your child says sounds), language comprehension (does your child understand directions?), expressive language (can your child express needs and ideas?), and social communication skills.
For ABA/Autism Evaluations
A BCBA or psychologist will observe your child's play, social interaction, communication, and behavior. They'll look for signs of autism (repetitive behaviors, social communication differences, sensory sensitivities) and assess how your child responds to structured tasks vs. free play.
For OT/PT Evaluations
An occupational or physical therapist will watch your child move, play, and interact with objects. They'll assess fine motor skills (hand coordination, writing, self-care), gross motor skills (walking, running, balance), and sensory processing (how your child responds to different textures, sounds, or movements).
Standardized Testing
Most evaluations include some form of standardized testing. These are assessments that compare your child's skills to age-based norms. Don't let the word "testing" scare you — for young children, it often looks like play.
The evaluator might ask your child to:
- Name pictures or objects
- Follow directions ("Put the block in the box")
- Complete puzzles or build with blocks
- Imitate actions or sounds
- Answer questions about a story or picture
The evaluator will take notes and score responses, but they're not expecting perfection. They're looking for patterns that indicate where your child needs support.
The Report
After the evaluation, the evaluator will compile their findings into a written report. This report typically includes:
- A summary of your child's strengths and challenges
- Test scores and how they compare to age expectations
- A diagnosis or clinical impression (if applicable)
- Recommendations for services (type of therapy, frequency, goals)
- Suggestions for strategies you can use at home
You'll usually receive the report within 1 to 3 weeks. Some evaluators schedule a follow-up meeting to review the report and answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if something doesn't make sense.
What Happens Next?
If your child qualifies for services, the next step is finding a provider and getting started. The report will include specific recommendations ("This child would benefit from speech therapy 2x per week focusing on expressive language"), which you can use to guide your search. For help finding a provider, visit: How to find a pediatric therapist.
If your child doesn't qualify for services, that's okay too. It means they're developing within the expected range. You can always request a re-evaluation in 6 to 12 months if concerns persist.
Final Thoughts
Evaluations are the first step toward getting your child the support they need. They're not a judgment of your parenting or a prediction of your child's future. They're simply a tool to understand where your child is now and what will help them grow.
Trust the process, advocate for your child, and remember that you're doing the right thing by seeking answers.