Online evaluations are a convenient way for therapists to assess your child’s strengths and areas of need from the comfort of home. To ensure the session runs smoothly and provides accurate results, preparation is key. Here are some essential tips to help you and your child get ready for a successful online evaluation.
Tips for Online Evaluations
1. Choose a Quiet, Distraction-Free Space
Selecting a calm and quiet environment is crucial. Find a space where your child can focus without distractions from siblings, pets, or household noise. Turn off the television, silence notifications, and ensure minimal background noise.
2. Set Up the Technology in Advance
Ensure your device (laptop, desktop, or tablet) is fully charged and connected to a stable internet connection. Download any required applications or software ahead of time, and test the microphone and camera to make sure everything is working properly.
3. Use a Headset or Earphones
For Speech Therapy assessments, a headset or earphones with a built-in microphone can enhance audio quality and minimize background noise, making communication clearer for both your child and the therapist. Please note, for other disciplines (OT, PT, SSW evaluations), your child’s therapist will inform you if a headset is needed.
4. Gather Necessary Materials
Some evaluations may require specific materials, such as paper, pencils, scissors, or other manipulatives. Check with the therapist beforehand to have everything ready.
5. Complete any parent input forms or Questionnaires.
Work alongside your therapist to complete any input forms that will give your therapist a bigger picture of your child’s developmental milestones and needs. Your input is valuable and provides an opportunity for you to advocate for your child in areas that may not be seen through testing alone.
6. Allow the Therapist to Lead
It is natural to want to support your child, but it’s important to allow the therapist to conduct the evaluation without prompting or providing answers. This ensures they get an accurate understanding of your child’s abilities and areas that need improvement.
7. Prepare Your Child Mentally
Explain the purpose of the evaluation in a positive way, letting your child know it’s simply a way for the therapist to learn how to help them. Encourage them to try their best and assure them that it is okay if they don’t know all the answers.
8. Minimize Interruptions
Make sure other family members are aware of the session time and ask them to keep noise levels down. If possible, schedule the evaluation during a time when your child is typically well-rested and alert.
9. Be Available, But Not Over-Involved
While you may need to help with technical issues or provide occasional reassurance, try to stay in the background during the session. If the therapist needs your assistance, they will let you know.
10. Be prepared to discuss the results at the IEP meeting
Although you may be anxious to know how your child did on their assessment, it is best practice to give your therapist time to review and analyze the results. Your therapist will report results during the IEP meeting. The determination of educationally relevant deficits for qualification for services is a team decision, with you, as a parent or guardian, being one of the key players.
By following these tips, you’ll help create an optimal environment for your child’s online evaluation, allowing the therapist to gain the most accurate insights. A well-prepared session leads to a more effective assessment and, ultimately, better support for your child’s growth and development.
If you have a child or student who may benefit from therapy services or an evaluation, Enablr Therapy can help. Contact us to learn more!
