Evaluations

The purpose of a speech and language evaluation is to measure the child’s communication skills. The speech language pathologist is interested in determining your child’s strengths and weaknesses in communication. The speech language pathologist uses formal assessments, behavioral observations, parental report, and background information about the child to determine if a speech and/or language problem is present.

Our office will provide you the case history form prior to your scheduled appointment. It is important to fill out the case history form to provide the therapist with a description of your child’s medical, developmental, and familial history.

During your child’s evaluation, testing will occur to compare your child’s skills with other children of the same age. The tests chosen are based on the concerns expressed by the parents and referring professional. Testing for toddlers will be play-based and interactive. Testing for preschoolers may include formal tests and play. For school-age children, formal tests are administered. Tests given by the speech-language pathologist may look at the child’s:

• Receptive vocabulary
• Understanding of grammar and syntax
• Understanding of directions, and information as it increases in length and complexity
• Auditory skills
• Expressive vocabulary
• Expressive use of grammar and syntax
• Word-retrieval
• Expressive formulation of thoughts and ideas
• Articulation
• Voice Quality
• Fluency or smooth flow of speech
• Social use of language for interactive communication
• Oral-motor and Feeding skills

A comprehensive evaluation is very important for your child. The evaluation results help determine your child’s needs and areas of strength. A thorough evaluation allows the therapist to precisely target a child’s weaknesses for intervention, as therapy is not a “one size fits all” experience.

Following the evaluation, interpretations and findings are discussed in detail with parents and/or guardians. Also, a written report summarizing the findings and recommendations is completed for parents, guardians, and any other professionals involved in the child’s care.