10 Questions to Ask at Your Child’s Evaluation
You've been waiting for months! Keep this handy list of questions available, so you don't get overwhelmed and feel rushed.
1
What diagnoses are you considering, and why?
Understanding the clinical reasoning helps you see the bigger picture and not just the label.
2
What are my child’s biggest strengths?
Evaluations often focus on challenges, but strengths tell you how your child learns best.
3
What areas are most affecting daily life right now?
Ask what the evaluator believes are the highest-priority issues (attention, anxiety, executive function, sensory regulation, etc.).
4
What therapies or supports should we prioritize first?
The recommendations can be overwhelming. Ask: If we could only start with one or two things tomorrow, what should they be?
5
What should we be doing differently at home?
This question often produces the most practical advice. Examples might include: routines, visual supports, emotional regulation strategies, executive function scaffolding.
6
What supports should we consider at school?
Ask about potential school supports such as: classroom accommodations, executive function supports, behavioral supports, social support. Even if a diagnosis is new, evaluators can suggest IEP or 504 directions.
7
What behaviors should we monitor over time?
Some things change with development. Ask what signs might indicate improvement or new concerns.
8
Are there any medical issues we should rule out?
Sometimes evaluators suggest checking for things like: sleep issues, anxiety, learning disabilities, sensory processing differences. This helps ensure you are looking at the whole child.
9
What progress should we realistically expect over the next year?
It can help to hear a realistic trajectory, not just a diagnosis.
10
What supports should we consider at school?
Ask about potential school supports such as: classroom accommodations, executive function supports, behavioral supports, social support. Even if a diagnosis is new, evaluators can suggest IEP or 504 directions.
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Bonus Question
If this were your child, what would you focus on first?
Still feeling overwhelmed?
Waiting for an evaluation does not mean you need to wait to support your child. Small changes at home and school can make a meaningful difference now. Reach out for a call to find out how parent coaching can help!