WHAT TO ASK PARENTS

for pediatric assessments

www.TheOTButter fly.com
Hi there! I’m Laura.

I’m a pediatric Occupational Therapist and

mama to a toddler who has An xiety and
Sensory challenges. I have a passion for
educating others about the importance of
sensory processing on behavior, learning,
and engagement.

As an OT mom who’s now been on the

client’s side of pediatric assessments, I
want to share some tips I’ve picked up
along the way.

Start with this helpful list of questions to use

when you’re interviewing a parent during
pediatric assessments.

Connect with me:

Whether it’s our first
conversation on an intake call, or
during a parent conference
following a sensory evaluation, I
often find myself needing to
probe a little more to get the “full
picture” from some parents.
There are some questions that
aren’t included in sensory
questionnaires and forms that are
helpful in creating a clearer
picture.

When I need more information to

determine if OT is the right step
for this family, or if I’m just
needing more information in
order to provide an appropriate
sensory diet, I ask some of the
following questions. These are in
no particular order of
significance.

3
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 Q U E S TIO N S TO A S K D U RIN G A
PA R E N T I N T E R V I E W

What does your morning routine look like?

What does your evening routine look like?

How does your child react in the first 20

minutes of:
• attending a birthday party
• attending a family gathering/ big event
• getting home from school
• waking up in the morning

How does your child respond to sudden,

unexpected plans changing?

How does your child respond to transitions in

their day? (you may need to provide examples
of what defines a transition)

Does your child act differently at school than

at home?

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 Q U E S TIO N S TO A S K D U RIN G A
PA R E N T I N T E R V I E W

What does your child do when they’re

mad/sad/frustrated?
• what do you do when you’re child is
mad/sad/frustrated?

What kinds of activities does your child play

outside?

What kinds of activities does your child play

inside?

What kinds of sensory/play equipment do you

have available at home?

What kind of space do you have? Is there

space for a sensory corner or play area?

Who does your child spend the most time with

and who will be responsible for implementing
a sensory lifestyle diet?

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 Q U E S TIO N S TO A S K D U RIN G A
PA R E N T I N T E R V I E W

What kinds of media is your child

accessing from a screen? How often?

How does your child navigate a

playground or busy park?

What kinds of notes/comments are

you getting from their teacher?

What do meal times look for you at

home? At a restaurant?

Does your child have a close friend, or

group of friends?

Does your child participate as part of

a partnership or group in play? (i.e.
not just parallel play).

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