What should you do if a parent requests speech therapy for their child?

When a parent requests speech therapy for their child, notifying the supervising SLP is the appropriate course of action because it ensures that all interventions are guided by a licensed professional. The supervising SLP has the training and authority to assess the child's needs comprehensively and determine whether speech therapy is warranted.

Initiating therapy immediately, without proper assessment or oversight, could lead to inappropriate interventions that do not align with the child's specific needs or goals. Scheduling a follow-up meeting might seem proactive, but it does not replace the need for a qualified SLP to evaluate the situation first. Redirecting the parent to another professional could be necessary in some contexts, but it is not appropriate in this scenario, as the request directly pertains to the services provided by the SLP. Involving the supervising SLP ensures a collaborative approach that prioritizes the child’s best interests, adheres to proper protocols, and maintains the standards of practice in speech-language pathology.