Meeting new providers can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already carrying so much. This section is meant to remind you that your voice matters. Asking questions isn’t being difficult; it’s how you advocate for your child and your family. You don’t have to ask everything at once—use these prompts as a guide, take notes, trust your instincts, and remember that the right provider will welcome your questions and partner with you.
We have made every effort to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. However, occasional errors or omissions may occur. We encourages you to verify information independently and use your own discretion when accessing listed resources.
experience + qualifications
What experience do you have working with children with special needs?
How long have you been practicing in this field?
Do you have experience with co-occurring diagnoses (anxiety, ADHD, sensory needs, etc.)?
Can you share an example of how you’ve supported a child with similar needs?
approach + philosophy
How do you individualize care for each child?
How do you respond to a child exhibiting behaviors that communicate distress or being overwhelmed?
How do you adjust when something isn’t working?
progress + goals
What should we realistically expect in the first few months?
How do you handle plateaus or slow progress?
How is progress communicated?
family involvement + communication
How will you communicate with our family and how often?
What can we do at home to support progress?
How do you collaborate with schools, teachers, or IEP teams?
How do you handle disagreements
or concerns from families?
How do you incorporate family goals and priorities?
logistics + practical details
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Do you accept Missouri Medicaid, private insurance, or self-pay?
Are payment plans or sliding-scale options available?
How do you handle transitions or service changes?
Who should we contact if we have questions between sessions?