EVALUATIONS

WHAT IS A SPEECH AND LANGUAGE EVALUATION?

A speech and language evaluation is a thorough test of a child’s communication skills, completed by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). During the evaluation, the SLP looks at different areas like understanding and use of language, social use of language, speech sounds, voice, resonance, and fluency. The length of the evaluation depends on the child’s age, reasons for the assessment, language skills, and the number and type of tests done. An evaluation for a 12-month-old might take an hour, while one for a 14-year-old could take up to 3 hours or need to be done over several sessions.

WHY IS A SPEECH AND LANGUAGE EVALUATION IMPORTANT?

Speech and language evaluations play a crucial role in determining the necessity for speech therapy by providing comprehensive details about their challenges. These evaluations equip Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with quantitative data and specific insights into an individual's strengths and areas requiring improvement, aiding in treatment planning and goal setting. Furthermore, evaluations serve as a baseline for tracking progress and advancement during therapy sessions.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS?

Before commencing a speech and language evaluation, it is crucial for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the reasons motivating a family to seek an evaluation. This initial conversation serves as an opportunity to collect relevant background information and delve into the individual's medical history, thus enabling the SLP to form a thorough and holistic view of the situation. Understanding the specific concerns and motivations that lead to seeking an evaluation allows the SLP to tailor the assessment process and intervention strategies to best meet the needs of the individual and their family. In order to accurately assess a child's speech and language skills, it is essential to utilize standardized testing measures. These tests provide detailed information about a child's abilities in comparison to their peers, regardless of their age or ability level. It is crucial to carefully select standardized tests that consider various factors such as language, culture, and the child's hearing and vision status, as these can significantly influence the client’s performance.