Parental Support and Guidance
Speech Therapy: What to Expect During Your Child's First Session
Introduction
Booking that very first speech-therapy appointment can feel both hopeful and nerve-wracking. Knowing what actually happens behind the clinic door helps parents arrive confident, prepared, and ready to partner with the therapist. Below is a practical walk-through of a typical initial session and how you can make the most of it for your child.
1. A Warm Welcome & Building Rapport
Expect a friendly hello, a quick tour of the room, and a few minutes for your child to explore toys or books. This relaxed start helps the speech-language pathologist (SLP) observe natural play while your child settles in—crucial for an authentic assessment environment.
2. Parent Interview & Case History
While your child plays within sight, the SLP gathers information about:
Pregnancy and birth history
Past hearing checks or medical issues
Developmental milestones (first words, feeding, play interests)
Your top concerns and everyday communication goals
Bringing previous reports, baby-book notes, or videos of typical home behaviour can speed this stage and sharpen the evaluation focus.
3. Play-Based Speech & Language Assessment
Most first sessions centre on a formal evaluation. Depending on age, the SLP may combine:
Standardised tests (picture-pointing, naming tasks)
Unstructured play observation to note articulation, vocabulary, social use of language
Hearing or oral-motor screening to rule out underlying issues
Data from these activities tell the therapist what your child can already do and where support is needed.
4. Real-Time Feedback & Goal-Setting
Before you leave, the SLP will share initial impressions and outline next steps:
Provisional goals (e.g., increase two-word phrases, improve /p/ and /b/ sounds)
Therapy frequency—often 30-minute sessions, once or twice a week for young children
Home strategies so progress continues between visits (modelling words, reading routines)
For babies and toddlers, goals align with an Individualised Family Service Plan (IFSP) in early-intervention programmes.
5. Tips to Prepare for Day 1
Do This Why It Helps
Arrive 10 min early: Keeps stress low and gives your child time to acclimate.
Pack a favourite snack or comfort toy: Eases anxiety and provides positive reinforcement.
Bring health cards & reports: Saves time by avoiding the need to re-explain medical history.
List 3–5 concerns in writing: Ensures every question or worry gets addressed during the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the first session?
Typically 45–60 minutes, including parent discussion.
Will therapy start the same day?
If time allows, the SLP may model one or two activities; structured therapy usually begins from the second visit once goals are set.
Can I stay in the room?
Yes—parent involvement is encouraged, especially for toddlers, but the SLP may also schedule brief parent-free moments to gauge independent communication.
Take-Home Message for Vizag Parents
The first speech-therapy session is less about drills and more about information-gathering and relationship-building. Arrive with curiosity, share candid stories of your child’s daily communication, and be ready to partner in the therapy journey.
Need personalised guidance? Little Miracles Child Development Centre, Seethammadara offers comprehensive assessments, family-centred therapy plans, and coaching so you can confidently support speech growth at home. Call or WhatsApp us today to book your child’s first session—early action lays the strongest foundation for lifelong communication success!