Before the Appointment
Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork and ensure we start on time. Please note: our pediatric coordinators will send paperwork via email prior to the appointment. Remember to check your email and fill out the paperwork to save time.
What to Bring:
- Your photo ID and insurance card
- Any relevant medical records, reports, or referrals
- Your child’s IFSP/IEP, if applicable
- A list of medications and any concerns or questions you’d like to discuss
Clothing: Have your child wear comfortable clothes and shoes they can move and play in.
Food/Drink: For feeding/swallowing evaluations only – please bring a few preferred and non-preferred foods, as well as bottles, cups, utensils, that your child typically uses for meals.
During the Evaluation
Your child’s evaluation will be led by one of our licensed therapists who specialize in pediatric development. The session typically lasts 45-60 minutes, depending on your child’s needs and attention span.
What Will Happen:
Getting to Know Your Child: The therapist will begin by talking with you about your child’s medical history, daily routines, and areas of concern.
Observation and Play: Your child will participate in fun, play-based activities designed to assess their skills. These may include:
- Physical Therapy (PT): Movement, balance, coordination, and strength activities
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Fine motor tasks, play skills, self-care (dressing, feeding), and sensory processing activities
- Speech Therapy (SLP): Communication, language understanding, speech sounds, and feeding/swallowing (if needed) activities
Standardized Testing: Your child’s therapist may complete full or portions of a standardized test to assess how your child’s skills compare to other children their age. You may be asked to participate in testing by answering questions about your child’s skills in the home. This information is used as part of the evaluation to determine eligibility for services and age appropriate recommendations.
Parent Involvement: You are encouraged to stay in the room, observe, and ask questions! Your insight is an important part of the evaluation.
After the Evaluation
The therapist will share initial impressions and discuss whether ongoing therapy is recommended.
A written evaluation report will be completed and shared with your child’s referring provider. If you would like a copy of the evaluation, you can request a copy from our front office.
If therapy is recommended, our team will:
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Provide information on your child’s episode of care. This includes: discussing your primary goals, frequency, and scheduling of sessions to maximize progress during this episode
- Coordinate with your child’s doctor, school, or other providers (with your permission)
Common Questions
Will my child need to “perform” or take tests?
Not always. The use of testing is dependent on your child’s needs/concerns and their ability to participate in needed testing. The evaluation is primarily play-based and designed to make your child feed more comfortable and successful. If your child has participated in similar evaluations in the last 6 months, please let your therapist know. Some tests/measures cannot be repeated within one year.
Can I bring siblings?
If possible, please arrange childcare so the therapist can focus on your child. However, we understand if that’s not always possible.
When will therapy start?
If therapy is recommended, we can often get started the following week, as long as your insurance is verified and a spot becomes available. We work had to provide information on insurance and availability as soon as possible.
Our Goal
Our mission is to help your child grow, learn, and thrive through compassionate, evidence-based care–and to empower you with tools and strategies to support them at home.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s evaluation appointment, please reach out to our Pediatric Coordinators at:
Phone: 203-384-8681
Email: fairfield@rehabassocinc.com
Address: 1931 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT. 06825