When you arrive for your assessment, you will initially be asked to sit in our waiting room area. We have lots of books and some toys that your child can look at. We do suggest not coming too early, as some children can get anxious waiting.

We do please ask to ensure that you are there for the start of your appointment, as it is likely there are other children booked after, so we may not be able to extend your session time if you arrive late.

When it is time for your session, your therapist will come to the waiting area and say hello and together you and your child will go into the therapy room. Two adults are welcome to attend, but we kindly ask no siblings so the focus can be on the child having the assessment.

The therapist will chat to your child and will ask them some questions to get to know them a little more and help them relax into the session. Our team are very used to working with children who may feel unsure in new surroundings. The exact process does vary according to each child and their age, but usually your child and the therapist will do some work together using a big picture book, where your child will be asked to look at some pictures and answer some questions. Younger children won’t be asked to write anything, it will be a talking and listening exercise. Your child can have as many breaks as they need and can even leave the room if they need a walk down the corridor or some water. We will have a box of fidget toys that they are welcome to use if this helps them to concentrate. After this, there will be an opportunity for your child to play with some toys. These toys, games and puzzles will have been carefully selected and put in the room ahead of your appointment, in line with what you shared on your paperwork and what the therapist feels would be helpful to use in the assessment.

The therapist may also chat to you, as parents about your child’s school, what they like and don’t like and how the therapist might be able to offer support.
After the assessment the therapist will take you and your child back to the waiting area and say goodbye.

A formal written report will then be shared with you, detailing the assessment results, and personal recommendations for your child. The report may suggest that therapy sessions are advised. This will be sent to you within 14 days of your child’s assessment, although we always aim to get this to you much sooner, as we appreciate families can feel anxious waiting for this.