A speech and language assessment is completed to determine the nature and severity of a child’s communication delay or disorder. 

Depending on the nature of the problem, the materials used within an assessment will vary.  Within a speech and language assessment, the clinician typically engages the child in a variety of picture books and tasks where he/she may be asked to point to various objects and pictures or put together words and sentences to respond to various questions.  These assessment results serve as baseline information so following therapy the clinician can revisit the data and evaluate progress and areas which require further intervention.

To help the Speech-Language Pathologist conduct the assessment, write down a list of your concerns.  Be as specific as possible.  The Speech-Language Pathologist will discuss your concerns and use this information to help guide the assessment.  Additional questions may be asked to help the Speech-Language Pathologist understand your child’s communication skills.  They may include:

-          At what age did your child begin to talk?

-          At what age did your child begin to walk?

-          Are there any other family members that have speech and language concerns at the present time or in the past?

-          Does your child have a history of ear infections?  If so, when? How many?

-          Has your child had a hearing test?

-          Please describe how your child talks about pictures in story books.  Does s/he  use single words?  Short phrases?  Sentences?

-          Do you have concerns in regards to your child’s ability to follow directions at home or at preschool?

-          How much of what your child says can you understand?

-          What does your child enjoy playing with?  Who does he play with and how does s/he play?

Talk to your child about the assessment.  Ensure them that they will have fun!  Our assessments include many toys and pictures, discussions and games. 

Following the assessment by a Speech-Language Pathologist, we will determine if and/or what therapy approach will be most beneficial to help you and your child. These may include regular sessions with a Speech-Language Pathologist (either as part of a group or individual) or activities that may be completed in the home or preschool setting.  Sessions may be short term or infrequent with the intention on teaching strategies to parents and caregivers to use at home. 

There is no one way to help a child; families may be involved with one or more of these therapy activities. Regardless of the type of therapy provided, it is important for parents to be involved in the process.