Preparing for a developmental assessment
All ages · 4 min read
Developmental appointments are often short and hard to get. A little preparation means the professional sees your child as they really are, and you leave with answers and a plan.
Before the visit
- Write down your three biggest worries, in order. Start the appointment with them.
- Note examples with dates: “Doesn’t answer to his name, even when we stand behind him and call loudly.”
- Take short videos of the things that worry you; children often behave differently in a clinic.
- Collect earlier reports, hearing and vision tests, school notes and your Nurture report.
- Ask relatives or the teacher what they notice. It helps to know whether things happen in more than one place.
During the visit
- Bring snacks, a favourite toy and a spare set of clothes.
- It is fine to say “That’s not what he’s usually like.”
- Ask the professional to write down any terms they use, so you can read about them later.
Questions worth asking
- What do you think is going on, and how sure are you?
- What should we do at home, starting this week?
- Which therapies or support would help, how often, and where can we get them?
- What should we watch for, and when should we come back?
- Is there anything the school should know or do?
Sources
Last updated 28 September 2026 · General information, not medical advice. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified professional.