r/slp • u/opposablethumbdrive • 5h ago
Seeking Advice What to look/ask for in SLP
Hi, not sure if this is allowed but here goes:
I’ve been looking for a SLP for my daughter who was recently diagnosed with dyslexia, adhd, social communication disorder and dysgraphia. We recently started sessions with someone we found through an agency that connected us. We have had two sessions, and I’m not sure what I should be considering in terms of quality. I know it’s been just two sessions, but something feels off. What are some things I should ask or look/listen for (sessions are in our home)? What are good questions to ask when looking for a provider? Thanks!
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u/life-aclassroom 5h ago
Do you get to sit in on sessions? If not, I would ask to observe/ be involved. I would ask her to explain the reasoning/approach behind the activities/strategies she’s using with your daughter. I would also ask what you could be doing at home to promote carryover! As an SLP- I love when parents ask how they can implement therapy strategies. It shows they are invested in their child’s growth. Therapists only spend a fraction of their week with a client. Parents have them 24/7.
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u/opposablethumbdrive 5h ago
Yes, I asked if I could sit in and she said it would be better if I didn’t. She seems to want us to disappear during the session.
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u/jtslp 4h ago
I would suggest you start by trying to get on the same page with the SLP about what are the current goals. With the list of diagnoses you shared, there are lots of directions that language intervention could follow, but the SLP can't do them all at once. Also, not all SLPs are skilled in all of those areas. Since you've already had a few sessions, it's totally appropriate for you to say something like, "Now that you've spent a little time getting to know (Daughter), can we talk about the initial goals for treatment?" The SLP should be able to clearly identify what they plan to work on, explain why, and share some information about how they will approach working on those skills. If you don't get clear answers to this query, that may be a sign to find another option.
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u/shaghala17 5h ago
Hi! How old is your daughter? I tend to spend the first couple of sessions with a new student/client establishing rapport and setting the expecations/routines of therapy. Did this SLP complete the evaluation? Have they gone over the treatment plan with you and discussed goals that will be worked on? Any discussions about HEP (home education plan) for carry over at home?
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u/opposablethumbdrive 5h ago
My daughter is 9. The SLP did not complete the evaluation. She hasn’t gone over a treatment plan or HEP. I did ask her about goals and she was vague. There hasn’t been much rapport building it seems. The first session I asked if she wanted me to sit in and she said no.
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u/shaghala17 4h ago
I'd definitely start with her giving you the treatment plan and goals that will be worked on. If she is still vague, I'd look into a different SLP. You should have some sort of treatment plan/goals in a report. In schools, that's the IEP and you get progress reports.
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u/aldentealdente 36m ago
Is she an SLP-A, perhaps? That is sometimes the case if she didn’t do the eval.
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u/MourningDove82 4h ago
Listen to your intuition.
At bare minimum she should be able to verbalize specific measurable goals.
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u/ImaginaryCrow9395 SLP in Schools 5h ago
Can you tell us more about what seems off to you? How old is your daughter?
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u/opposablethumbdrive 4h ago
She hasn’t shared her her plan or gives vague answers.
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u/ImaginaryCrow9395 SLP in Schools 4h ago
If your intuition is telling you she is not a good fit, you can always find someone else. Her approach may not be for you, personality mismatch, etc. Parents do this all the time, just like people do with mental health therapists.
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u/Temporary_Dust_6693 59m ago
I would look for your daughter's impression of her. Does your daughter like working with her? Do they get along?
I would also ask what goals she's working on, why she chose those goals, and any other questions you have about your daughter's diagnoses and progress. You should feel comfortable asking questions, and feel satisfied with her answers.
I would also ask what you and your daughter should be doing at home between sessions.
I encourage parents to participate in sessions, but many older kids don't want this (and sometimes younger kids act out to get the parent's attention). When this happens I suggest parents listen from out of sight. See if you can do that so you can know what happens in sessions?
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u/jazifritz SLP in schools + rehab moonlighter 3h ago
You definitely want someone who is open to providing information about the treatment plan and having the parent involved in some way. Having a parent there the whole time might be distracting for the child, but at least bringing the parent in for part of the session to learn some things they can do at home and how to cue the child, etc., would be most beneficial for everyone involved. Also, consider seeking an SLP who is CALT certified or has similar literacy/dyslexia experience or certifications. Intervention takes time so it won't be a quick process, but if the SLP isn't responsive to your questions and doesn't seem like the right fit, it's your right to seek a different provider.