Starting therapy can feel overwhelming for both parents and children, especially when navigating the unique needs of a neurodiverse child. Whether your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, or other neurobehavioral conditions, therapy can be a great first step in helping them come up with coping strategies and develop a treatment plan. The first therapy session is an important step toward understanding and supporting their individual journey, which is why being as prepared as possible is key.
As a parent, it’s normal to feel a mix of hope, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lies ahead on your child’s therapy journey. Understanding what to expect can help both you and your child feel more prepared and confident as you walk into your very first session.
In this article, we will explore what to expect for your first therapy session, so you can feel well-equipped to support your child along the way.
Preparation Before The Session
The preparation for your first therapy session can begin days, weeks, or months before the actual appointment. Most therapists will ask you to complete intake forms that provide essential background information about your child’s developmental history, current challenges, and family dynamics. Don’t let this extensive paperwork make you feel as though you aren’t in the right place to receive care, as it serves as a foundation to support your child and their individual journey.
Before the appointment, consider gathering any previous evaluations, school reports, or medical records that might be relevant to your child’s neurobehavioral needs. This includes bringing documentation of diagnoses and any accommodations or interventions that have been tried previously. This will help your provider better understand where you are, what you’ve tried, and where to go from here!
Building Rapport and Understanding
Your first therapy session will likely begin with introductions and initial intake. For neurodiverse children, this initial period is particularly crucial, as many may need extra time to feel comfortable with new people and settings. As a parent, you know your child best, so help them to prepare for what to expect before walking into the appointment!
The therapist will typically start by engaging your child in activities or conversations that feel natural and non-threatening. This might involve play therapy techniques for younger children or structured conversations for adolescents. The therapist will likely ask detailed questions about your child’s daily routines, specific challenges you’ve observed, and what strategies you’ve already tried at home or school. This may be done in the presence of your child, so having a conversation about your observations with your young one before the appointment can help avoid any surprises here.
Assessment and Goal Setting
During the initial session, your therapist will begin conducting an assessment of your child’s strengths, challenges, and current functioning. For neurodiverse children, this assessment often includes observing sensory preferences, communication styles, social interaction patterns, and emotional regulation strategies.
Together, you’ll begin discussing preliminary goals for therapy. These might include improving emotional regulation, developing social skills, addressing anxiety or depression, or learning coping strategies for sensory sensitivities. This should feel collaborative and you should feel involved – so be prepared to bring your own ideas and thoughts to the table!
Communication Styles and Accommodations
One of the most important aspects of that first session involves understanding how your child communicates best. Many neurodiverse children have unique communication preferences, whether they’re highly verbal, minimally speaking, or communicate through alternative methods like picture exchange systems or assistive technology.
Your therapist will take time to understand your child’s preferred communication style and make appropriate accommodations. This might mean using visual supports, allowing for processing time, or incorporating movement breaks into sessions. The goal is to create an environment where your child feels understood and can express themselves authentically.
Any context that you deem helpful should be shared with the therapist prior to beginning the session to make the most of your time together.
Establishing Routine and Expectations
Many neurodiverse children thrive on predictability and routine, so your therapist will likely spend time during the first session establishing what future sessions will look like. This might include reviewing the physical space, explaining typical activities, and creating consistent schedules.
Questions to Ask During Your First Session
Consider asking your therapist about their experience working with neurodiverse children, their philosophies, and how they measure progress. It’s also important to discuss how they communicate with parents and what information they share about session content.
Remember, they are here to help you and your family, so ensuring it is the right fit is crucial!
Building on the Foundation
Your first therapy session is just the beginning of what will hopefully be a productive relationship. Based on the initial assessment and your family’s goals, your therapist will develop a more detailed treatment plan that you’ll review together in future sessions.
Remember that progress in therapy, particularly for neurodiverse children, often looks different from child to child. Success might be measured in increased self-awareness, improved emotional regulation, better family relationships, or enhanced quality of life rather than elimination of all challenging behaviors altogether.
Starting therapy represents hope, courage, and commitment to your child’s wellbeing. While the first session might feel overwhelming, it’s also the beginning of new possibilities!
Ready to take the next step in supporting your neurodiverse child? Contact NeuroBehavioral Associates today to schedule your initial consultation. Our experienced team specializes in comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment approaches for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other neurobehavioral conditions.
Let us partner with your family to develop strategies that celebrate your child’s unique strengths while addressing their specific needs.
