What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

Taking the first step

We know that reaching out for support, especially when it involves your child, can feel like a big step.
You might have questions. You might feel hopeful, nervous, or unsure of what to expect. That’s completely normal. You’re not alone. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

The first visit is designed to feel calm, clear, and truly meaningful for both you and your child.

Before your visit

Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive a link to complete our New Family Intake Forms online. These forms help us get to know your child their story, their strengths, and what daily life looks like for them.

We take the time to read everything you share. And while we know no form can tell the full story, your responses help us come into the first session prepared to listen, observe, and connect.

If you have reports from other professionals, past evaluations, or a list of questions, feel free to bring them along. This visit is for you just as much as it is for your child.

When you arrive

There’s plenty of free parking available right outside the building, as well as along the nearby street.

Come on in. We’ll be there to greet you with a smile and help you get settled. We’re on the first floor, first door on the left. You can use either the elevator or the stairs.

If you arrive a few minutes early, you're welcome to wait in our front area. There are a few toys and books available to help pass the time while we get ready.

A gentle start

Your child’s first session begins with a warm, gradual introduction. We take a little extra time at the start to help them get familiar with the space, connect with their therapist, and feel safe and at ease.

This soft approach helps set the tone for meaningful therapeutic work. It gives us a chance to understand your child’s pace, preferences, and comfort level, while helping them feel supported and ready to engage.

Some children begin exploring right away. Others need a slower, more gradual start. We follow your child’s lead and gently guide the session toward our clinical goals.

Once your child feels settled, we begin the therapeutic work with a focus on connection, curiosity, and care.

What the evaluation looks like

Your child will spend time in one of our play spaces with their therapist. It won’t feel like a test - it’s more like a series of playful, hands-on activities designed to help us understand how they move, play, and respond to different experiences.

The specific areas we look at will depend on your concerns and what’s most relevant for

your child, but may include:

Fine motor skills (like grasping, cutting, or drawing)
Gross motor skills (like balancing, crawling, or jumping)
Emotional regulation and sensory responses
How they follow directions or approach simple challenges

At some point during the session, the therapist will meet with you for a conversation - either with or without your child present, depending on their age and what works best.

This is not a checklist, but a chance to connect. The therapist will talk through what you shared in the intake forms, ask follow-up questions, and listen closely to anything else on your mind. Your insights, questions, and hopes all matter here, and they help guide our next steps together.

Wrapping up & next steps

Once the evaluation is complete, the therapist will take some time to review notes and carefully go over everything observed. Families are welcome to take a quick break, ask questions, or simply reflect.

After the evaluation, the therapist will review everything in detail and then reach out with recommendations. If ongoing therapy is needed, they will share what that could look like always based on what works best for the child and the family’s schedule. Whether continuing therapy or simply providing clarity and guidance, the therapist’s goal is always the same: to support the child’s growth and help the family feel more confident in what’s ahead.

A few common questions:

How should I explain this visit to my child?

You can say something like: "We’re going to a place where you get to play and show some fun grownups how strong and smart your body is!" Most kids enjoy their time here. We keep things relaxed, playful, and positive.

What should my child wear?

Anything comfortable that allows them to move freely! Play clothes are perfect. We’ll be stretching, jumping, climbing, and crawling so no need for anything fancy. Shoes will come off during the session. Grippy socks are welcome!

Can I stay with my child during the visit?

Of course. We follow your child’s lead. Some kids want a caregiver close by, and some are more independent: both are totally okay!

What if my child has a hard time or shuts down?

Then we meet them right where they are. We never force anything. We’ve had kids who needed to sit in their caregiver’s lap the whole session, others who warmed up slowly over time. That’s all part of the process. We’re here for it, no pressure, no judgment.

One last thing...

You’re doing something really important by showing up. We see the care and thought you’re putting into this next step, and we’re honored to be part of your family’s journey.

If there’s anything we can do to make your visit easier, just let us know. Whether it’s meeting you at the car, skipping the tour, or slowing things down we’ll make it work.

We can’t wait to meet you and your incredible child soon.

Warmly,
The Team at PRIMES Pediatric Development Center