Evaluation Appointments

• Both the parent/guardian and the child are involved in the evaluation. 
• The parent/guardian is interviewed by the clinical staff while the child is being tested. 
• Depending on the age of the child and the concerns, appointment length can vary.  Families are given an hour lunch break, but are also encouraged to bring snacks and drinks for before or after lunch. 
• If the child wears eyeglasses, contacts, or hearing aids please bring them to the evaluation. 
• If the child is taking a prescription, give as usual and bring medications, if needed, to take while at the clinic.
• Approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the evaluation the parent/legal guardian will be contacted to schedule an appointment to go over the results of the evaluation.  

How to Prepare your Child for the Evaluation Appointment

Prior preparation of a child helps to decrease their fears about the evaluation. 

• If your child is preschool age, it is generally sufficient to simply tell them they will be spending time with some nice adults who will be playing with them.
• If your child is school age, explain to them that the evaluation will assess their strengths and weaknesses to determine if they need assistance in any area.
• They will be doing a variety of activities that look at how they think and learn, completing tasks similar to school work, and talking about themselves.
• Allow the child some time to get used to the idea of the evaluation by sitting down and talking with them about the visit to the clinic and what to expect.
• Give simple, honest responses when answering your child’s questions about the evaluation.
• Reassure your child that the evaluation is meant to be helpful to them, you, and other adults involved in their care/education.
• It is recommended that no changes be made to your child’s medication (excluding antibiotics and medication for colds) within two weeks of the evaluation.  Any changes in their medications during this time could alter the reliability of the evaluation.
• Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep before the evaluation day.
• Encourage your child to eat breakfast before the evaluation.