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43. What happens during my first visit to EAP?

Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know your child and understand your family’s concerns, goals and priorities. We recognise that every child is unique, so our focus is on gaining a clear understanding of your child’s individual strengths and developmental needs before making any recommendations.

Depending on your child’s situation, your first visit may include:

  • Discussing your concerns and your child’s developmental history.
  • Observing your child’s communication, play and interaction.
  • Reviewing any previous reports or assessments.
  • Recommending whether an autism screening, diagnostic evaluation or intervention is appropriate.
  • Answering your questions about autism, therapy and available support.

There is no obligation to begin therapy following your first visit. Our goal is to provide parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their child’s next steps.

Many parents tell us that having a clearer understanding of their child’s strengths and challenges helps reduce uncertainty and allows them to plan more confidently for the future.