Preparing for Your Speech-Language Pathology Visit

What to Know Before Your Visit

Collect Health Information

Your SLP will conduct a thorough assessment. Your SLP will also ask you for details about your speech, language, communication, and/or swallowing, as well as your overall health.

Write down what you’ve noticed, like:

• when the challenges started and how they’ve changed over time
• which words or sounds are difficult to say or understand
• any changes in feeding, swallowing, or eating habits
• medical history
• past hospitalizations

For children, expect questions about:

• how their speech and language skills are developing
• how their feeding and swallowing skills are developing
• how well they follow instructions
• how many words they use
• how clearly they speak
• how they interact with others
• any problems with eating certain foods, like not liking certain textures or having trouble chewing food or drinking liquids

Your SLP might ask you to complete forms before your appointment. Fill them out with as much detail as you can.

Coming to the Appointment Prepared

After collecting your health information, you can also get ready for your visit by doing the following:

• Write down questions that you want to ask.
• Make a list of your concerns about communication, speech, language, or swallowing. For example, are there specific places or situations where communication is most difficult? Are there foods that are difficult to swallow?
• Bring paper and a pen to your appointment.
• Review your insurance coverage to understand what speech, language, and swallowing services are covered in your plan, and if you will need to pay some of the cost.
• Bring a list of any medications you are taking. Some medicines can affect speech, swallowing, and/or hearing.
• Bring someone with you, if needed, to ask questions and help you remember.
• Tell the SLP ahead of time if you need an interpreter.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

• Not all insurance plans cover speech-language and swallowing services. Coverage can depend on things like age, diagnosis, and the type of treatment.
• Check your benefits before your visit to avoid surprises. You might also need a referral from your doctor.
• Plan for how you will pay for these services, as this may affect which SLP you choose.
• If services are not covered or you can’t afford them, ask about financial support— there may be programs or funding options that can help.

Make the Most of Your Appointment

Your first appointment might be more in-depth than you expect. SLPs look at many areas of communication, swallowing, and development to understand your difficulties and how to help.

During your visit:

• Ensure you understand the SLP’s conclusions by asking these three questions:
  • What is my main problem?
  • What do I need to do?
  • Why is it important for me to do this?
• Ask the questions you wrote down before your visit.
• Take notes—or bring someone with you to help. You can ask if it is OK for you to record the visit, so you can listen again later. Phone apps can also help you take notes.
• Ask the SLP to write down any words or ideas you don’t understand.
• Repeat back what you heard to make sure you got it right.
• Find out how you can contact the SLP in case you have further questions.

Next Steps: After Your Appointment

It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions after receiving new information about yourself or a loved one. Take time to process what you’ve learned and understand the new diagnosis. Your SLP can support you with practical guidance along the way.

Ahead of your next appointment, you can:

• Go over your notes to make sure you understand what was said.
• Talk with the person who came with you to see if you both heard the same thing.
• Call or email your SLP if you have other questions.
• See another SLP for a second opinion if you want more information.

Taking an active role in your appointment can make a big difference in your speech-language treatment journey.

Whether you're seeking help for yourself or supporting a loved one, you don't have to navigate this path alone. You're partnering with your SLP to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Communication and swallowing challenges often take time to address, but each step brings you closer to your goals. You’re already on your way to better communication.