Hey there, fellow SLP! Let’s talk about something we all know and love (or maybe not so much) – a speech therapy case history. You know that feeling when you’re reviewing a student’s file and thinking, “I wish I had asked about that!” Well, grab your coffee, and let’s make sure that never happens again.
Why a Speech Therapy Case History Matters (Beyond Just Paperwork)
Let’s be real – nobody gets excited about more paperwork. But a well-crafted case history is like having a GPS for your evaluation process. It helps you understand where your student is coming from and where they need to go. Plus, it can save you tons of time later when you’re writing that evaluation report (and we’re all about saving time around here!).
Why make your own case history when you can get this editable speech therapy case history template. (Google™ Compatible) Save time today!
Key Speech and Language Areas to Cover:
General Information
- Parent communication concerns
- Pregnancy and birth complications (because these details matter!)
- Medical concerns (ear infections, hearing status, adenoids/tonsils, etc.)
- Previous therapy services (speech, OT, PT)
- Speech, language, or learning difficulties in family members
- Languages spoken at home
Language Development
- Language milestones (remember to gather information about both receptive and expressive language)
- Current communication status
- Social skills/communication skills with other children
Speech Intelligibility
- How well does the parent understand the child?
- How well do unfamiliar family members understand the child?
- Are there any specific sound errors that you notice?
Making Your Speech Therapy Case History Parent-Friendly
Here’s the thing – medical jargon can be intimidating for parents. Try these parent-friendly alternatives:
- Instead of “developmental milestones,” try “when did your child first…”
- Rather than “pragmatic skills,” ask about “how your child plays with others”
- Skip “phonological awareness” and ask about “playing with sounds in words”
Pro Tips from the Trenches:
- Keep it conversational. Parents are more likely to share when they feel comfortable
- Use a checklist format for quick reference (because who has time to read paragraphs during therapy?)
- Include space for parent concerns – they often notice things we might miss
- Document everything – even details that seem unrelated might become important later
Speech and Language Red Flags to Watch For:
- Inconsistent developmental progression
- Multiple ear infections in early years
- Family history of speech/language or learning disabilities
- Limited social interaction opportunities
Remember…
A good case history isn’t about being perfect – it’s about getting the information you need to help complete your evaluation. Start with these basics and adjust based on your specific needs.
Need More Help? If you’re looking to streamline your evaluation process (including editable case histories!), check out our Ultimate SLP Dashboard. We’ve got templates,and organization tools that’ll make your life easier.
Click on the image below to see the first page of the case history.
What’s your biggest challenge with case histories? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts and share more tips!
