Back to School: Why Now Is the Right Time to Consider a Therapy Evaluation for Your Child

As summer winds down and school routines begin, many parents start noticing how their child is keeping up (or struggling) with everyday demands. Whether it is their communication, movement, attention, or self-help skills, if something feels “off,” you are not alone. Early support can make all the difference in making sure they find success in and out of the classroom.

At F.I.T. PT, we believe the start of the school year is a great time to check in and evaluate how your child is doing developmentally. Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy can help support their success and build confidence.

Speech & Language Therapy: Is It Time for an Evaluation?

If your child is having a hard time being understood, struggling to follow directions, or finding it difficult to express thoughts clearly, it might be more than just a phase. These challenges can affect their ability to participate fully in the classroom, build friendships, and develop early learning skills.

A speech and language evaluation can help determine if your child is on track or could benefit from support to strengthen communication skills before small struggles become bigger hurdles.

Here are some signs to watch for:

• Speech that is hard for others to understand (especially by age 4+)

• Trouble forming full sentences or recalling words

• Difficulty following instructions or answering questions

• Limited vocabulary or trouble telling stories

• Social challenges with peers due to unclear speech or language

Strong communication skills are essential for classroom learning, following directions, participating in group discussions, and expressing ideas clearly. Whether they are answering a question or telling a story, Speech Therapy can boost a child’s ability to understand language, speak with clarity, and interact confidently with peers and teachers. Speech Therapy also helps improve listening skills, vocabulary, and early literacy which creates a solid foundation for academic achievement and social connection.

Occupational Therapy: Is Your Child Struggling with Everyday Tasks?

If your child finds it hard to keep up with daily routines like getting dressed, holding a pencil, or staying focused in busy environments, it might be time to take a closer look. These everyday tasks rely on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-regulation which are areas where children may need extra support to thrive in the classroom and at home.

An Occupational Therapy evaluation can help uncover the root of these challenges and provide a plan to build confidence and independence through fun, play-based strategies.

Some signs that may indicate your child could benefit from OT:

• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like cutting, writing, or zipping

• Sensory sensitivities (avoiding textures, loud noises, crowded places)

• Trouble focusing, sitting still, or following multi-step instructions

• Delays in self-care (dressing, feeding, organizing school materials)

OT helps children develop the fine motor control needed for writing, cutting, and using classroom tools, as well as the self-regulation skills needed to stay focused, calm, and ready to learn. It also supports sensory processing and helping children better tolerate busy or noisy environments like classrooms and cafeterias. OT builds independence with daily school routines like managing backpacks, opening lunch containers, and navigating transitions throughout the day.

Physical Therapy: Are Movement Challenges Holding Your Child Back?

If your child avoids physical activity, tires easily, or seems uncoordinated compared to peers, a Physical Therapy Evaluation is recommended. Physical development plays a big role in a child’s ability to navigate school settings, stay safe on the playground, and build confidence in their body.

A Physical Therapy Evaluation can assess strength, balance, endurance, and gross motor skills to see if your child might benefit from targeted support that helps them move more confidently and comfortably.

Look for signs like:

• Frequent tripping or falling

• Walking on tiptoes or with awkward posture

• Difficulty with stairs, jumping, or balance

• Low endurance during play or gym class

• Delayed gross motor skills (running, hopping, ball skills)

Physical Therapy helps children build strength, coordination, and balance to participate fully in PE, recess, and classroom activities that require movement. Even navigating stairs, sitting upright in a chair, or transitioning between settings can be improved with PT. PT also supports overall endurance and postural stability, which are essential for staying comfortable, focused, and active throughout the school day.

Why Early Intervention Matters

When challenges are caught early, therapy can prevent them from becoming bigger barriers later. Kids are constantly learning, growing, and developing and intervening early helps set them up for long-term success at home, in school, and with peers.

F.I.T. PT provides in-home and in-school pediatric therapy that is personalized for you and your family and built around real-life routines.

Back-to-School is a Fresh Start so Let’s Make It Count

If you have been wondering whether your child is “just taking their time” or may need a little extra help, now is a great time to ask questions, get support, and take action.

Trust your gut, you know your child best.

Reach out to F.I.T. PT today to schedule an evaluation and learn how our Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapists can support your child’s growth this school year.

📞 Call us: (561) 501-1983

📧 Email: admin@fitpt.org

🌐 Visit: www.fitpt.org

📍 Serving families in Palm Beach County