What to Expect from a Speech Therapy Evaluation for Your Child

If you have recently noticed that your child is struggling to communicate, you might be feeling a mix of concern and uncertainty. Deciding to seek out speech therapy services is a positive step toward helping your child build a stronger voice and lasting confidence. We understand that the process can feel new, but we're here to guide you through each step with care and clarity.

At Arizona Sunrays, we have been a trusted environment for children in Phoenix to grow, learn, and thrive for over 35 years. Whether your child is 18 months old or 18 years old, here is exactly what you can expect during a speech therapy evaluation at our dedicated clinic on 32nd Street.

1. A Warm, Family-Friendly Environment

The word 'evaluation' can sound clinical or intimidating, but pediatric speech and language assessments are designed to be warm, engaging, and play-based. Our clinic, located inside the familiar Arizona Sunrays facility, helps children feel at ease. When you arrive, our Clinical Director, Rachel Witenstein, M.S., CCC-SLP, will greet you and your child and create a supportive environment from the start.

2. Parent Interview and Case History

You know your child better than anyone else. The evaluation includes an in-depth conversation about your child's developmental history, medical background, and your specific concerns. Rachel will ask questions about your child's milestones, how they communicate at home, and any frustrations they might be experiencing. This is your time to share everything you have noticed—from trouble pronouncing certain sounds to difficulties putting sentences together or even stuttering.

3. Observation and Play-Based Assessment

For younger children, the bulk of the evaluation looks exactly like play! By engaging your child with toys, games, and conversation, the speech-language pathologist can observe how they use their voice, interact with others, and understand directions naturally. Rachel has extensive experience working with a wide range of communication challenges—including developmental language delays, apraxia, and autism—so she knows exactly how to adapt the session to meet your child where they are.

4. Formal Assessment Tools

For school-aged children and teens, the evaluation will include more standardized testing. These assessments help pinpoint exactly which areas of speech and language need support. To ensure a complete, unhurried assessment, evaluations at Arizona Sunrays are scheduled for a comprehensive 2 hours. This allows plenty of time to get an accurate picture of your child's strengths and areas for growth without making them feel rushed.

5. Creating a Personalized Therapy Plan

Once the evaluation is complete, we share the findings with you. Rachel will walk you through what the assessments revealed and collaborate with you to create a personalized, one-on-one therapy plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. We believe in a family-first environment, meaning you will always be in the loop about your child's goals and progress.

Whether you choose 30-minute or 60-minute follow-up sessions, we can discuss how often your child might need therapy, helping you plan and feel prepared for ongoing support.

Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but an evaluation is simply a roadmap to unlocking your child’s communication potential. If you are located in the Phoenix, AZ area and want to learn more, fill out our interest form on the Arizona Sunrays Speech Therapy page today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ages do you serve at Arizona Sunrays Speech Therapy?

We proudly provide personalized speech therapy for children and teens ages 1 through 18.

How long does the initial evaluation take?

Every child begins with a comprehensive 2-hour evaluation. This extended timeframe gives us the in-depth insight needed to create a highly tailored and effective therapy plan.

Do you accept insurance?

To keep things simple for our families, Arizona Sunrays Speech Therapy operates as a private-pay program. We handle all payments and scheduling through the secure SimplePractice app.

When are therapy sessions available?

We know Phoenix families are busy! That is why we offer flexible morning, afternoon, and evening appointment times all week long that fit your family's routine.

Where do the evaluations and therapy sessions take place?

All speech therapy sessions are conveniently held at our main Phoenix location on 32nd Street (15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ).

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