Before You Book
A calm checklist so you walk into the appointment knowing exactly what to ask.
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Turn your child's details and top concern into a focused list of questions, talking points, and outcomes to ask for.
Pediatric appointment
Routine well-visits or sick visits — make the short window count.
Bring with you
- List of current medications, doses, and times
- A 1–2 line summary of your top concern (write it before you go)
- Recent sleep, eating, and bathroom patterns (rough notes are fine)
- Any school/daycare notes or report cards mentioning concerns
- Insurance card and a notebook or phone for notes
Questions to ask
- Is what we're seeing within typical range for their age?
- Could anything medical be driving the behavior (ears, sleep, GI, vision)?
- What screening tools do you use for autism, ADHD, anxiety?
- What would you watch for that would change your answer?
- Who do you refer to for evaluations — and how long is the wait?
- Can you put your recommendations in writing (after-visit summary)?
Watch for
- If you feel rushed, it's okay to say: "I have 2 more questions — can we make time?"
- Ask for a follow-up appointment instead of trying to cram it all in today.
Developmental / psych evaluation
Autism, ADHD, learning, or full neuropsych evaluations.
Bring with you
- All prior reports (school, OT, speech, prior evaluations)
- Video clips (1–2 minutes) of behaviors you want them to see
- A timeline: pregnancy → milestones → concerns by age
- Day-in-the-life notes: morning, school, after-school, bedtime
- Your child's strengths and what lights them up
Questions to ask
- What exactly are you evaluating for, and what tools will you use?
- How long will testing take and how many visits?
- Will my child be observed at school or only in your office?
- Will you interview teachers, therapists, or just parents?
- When do we get results, and is there a feedback session to walk through them?
- Will the written report include specific recommendations for school and home?
- Do you accept my insurance, and what's the out-of-pocket estimate?
- How current is your training on autism in girls / PDA / twice-exceptional kids?
Watch for
- A good evaluator listens more than they talk in the first visit.
- If a provider dismisses your concerns without testing — get a second opinion.
Therapy intake (OT, speech, ABA, mental health)
First call or first session with a therapist.
Bring with you
- Goals in your words: 'I want my child to ___'
- What's already been tried (and what didn't work)
- Sensory profile notes: textures, sounds, food, clothing
- Triggers and what helps your child calm down
- Your child's interests — therapy works better when it's playful
Questions to ask
- What's your approach — is it child-led and play-based?
- How do you handle a child who says no or shuts down?
- Do you use rewards, and what happens when my child refuses?
- How do you involve parents — do I sit in, get coaching, or stay out?
- How will we measure progress, and how often will we review goals?
- What's your stance on stimming, eye contact, and 'compliance'?
- Are you trained in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care?
- What does a typical session look like minute-by-minute?
- Cost per session, cancellation policy, and insurance billing?
Watch for
- Red flag: anyone who promises to 'fix' or 'recover' your child.
- Green flag: they ask about your child's interests before their deficits.
School / IEP meeting
IEP, 504, or any meeting where school staff outnumber you.
Bring with you
- Your child's current IEP/504 (with sticky-notes on parts you want to discuss)
- Recent work samples — both struggles and wins
- Outside evaluations and provider letters
- A short written parent statement of strengths, concerns, and goals
- A support person (partner, friend, or advocate) — you don't have to go alone
Questions to ask
- What data are you using to measure each goal — and can I see it?
- How is each accommodation actually being implemented day to day?
- What's the plan when my child is dysregulated — and is it written down?
- What's working? (Start meetings here — it changes the tone.)
- If we disagree today, what's the process — and may I have Prior Written Notice?
- Can I have a draft of the IEP in advance to review?
- How will we communicate between meetings (email, log, weekly note)?
Watch for
- You can ask to pause, take a break, or reconvene — you don't have to sign today.
- Everything important should end up in writing. 'I'll send you an email summary' counts.
My notes for the appointment
Jot down what you don't want to forget to say.
Saved on this device. Export the PDF or calendar file to bring it with you — your data stays private.