My First Appointment – What to Expect
Whether you’ve come to the realization on your own that you need help with your speech, language or other communications skills, or whether your doctor or other specialist has referred you to a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist, you’ve taken the first step in helping yourself or a loved one to improve communication skills.
Before you head out the door to meet your Speech-Language Pathologist for the first time, it can be helpful to jot down any questions or specific issues you want to be sure get raised for discussion. Take your notes along with you to be certain those items don’t get overlooked.
Your first appointment may include both informal and formal assessments. If you’ve suffered an acquired brain injury in the past, this assessment could take anywhere from two to five hours. If you’re struggling with an articulation or language disorder, the assessment will more likely range from 45 to 90 minutes in length.
During this or any appointment, be sure to ask any questions you might have or express any concerns.
The Speech-Language Pathologist will gather background information about the nature of the communication disorder you’re experiencing and then use a combination of formal standardized assessments and informal evaluation procedures to analyze you or your family member’s communication skills.
You might leave your first consultation having been assigned some homework exercises, or new techniques to practice before you return for your next appointment. You’ll give yourself the best chance of improvement in the shortest time possible if you follow through on such recommendations.
Whatever the nature of your communication challenge, S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks has an entire team of highly skilled and innovative Speech-Language Pathologists and Communicative Disorders Assistants who are prepared to help.
The offices of S.L. Hunter SpeechWorks are located at 5195 Harvester Rd. Unit 4B. They can be reached by telephone at 905-637-5522 or online at www.slhunter.ca.