You do not need to bring much to an evaluation, but a few items make the clinician's job easier and the report more useful. Here is a practical checklist. Bring what you have; nothing on this list is required to be seen.
Records and documents
- Previous evaluations of any kind: psychological, educational, speech-language, occupational therapy, neuropsychological
- School records for children and teens: recent report cards, standardized test results, teacher comments, and any IEP, 504 plan or intervention documentation
- Medical summaries that are relevant: diagnoses, hearing and vision screenings, neurological history, current medications and doses
- Prior screenings or rating scales completed by a pediatrician, therapist or school
- Work or college documentation for adults, if accommodations are part of the question
- Referral information if a physician, school or therapist referred you, so the loop can be closed with your permission
Practical items
- Glasses, contacts or hearing aids
- A snack and water for breaks
- Any comfort items that help a young child settle
- A list of questions you want answered by the end of the process
Information to have in mind
The interview will cover history. It helps to think ahead about developmental milestones, when concerns first appeared, what has been tried, what helps and what makes things harder, and what a good outcome would look like to you.
How to share records safely. Bring paper or device copies to the appointment, or ask the CareTeam how to send them securely beforehand. Please do not email records or health details to a general inbox.
What not to worry about
You do not need to prepare answers, and neither does your child. Rested, fed and on time is the whole assignment. Everything else is the clinician's job. If you are unsure whether something is relevant, bring it; extra context is rarely a problem.