What to Expect During a Speech-Language Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluations at Jordan Speech-Language Therapy
With over a decade of experience doing evaluations for schools and private clients, we understand that a speech-language evaluation can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. Our goal is to make the evaluation process as comfortable and informative as possible. This guide will walk you through what to expect during your child’s speech-language evaluation.
What is a Speech-Language Evaluation?
A speech-language evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your child’s speech, language, and communication skills. During the evaluation, we assess areas such as speech sound production, language comprehension, language expression, and social communication abilities. This helps us understand your child's strengths and challenges, which guides us in creating a tailored therapy plan.
Before the Evaluation
To begin, we’ll gather background information about your child’s development, health history, and any communication concerns you may have. This may involve completing a questionnaire or discussing your child's unique needs with us. This information helps us get a clearer picture of your child's communication journey.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
During the evaluation, we aim to create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere for your child. For younger children, the evaluation may be play-based, where we use toys and games to encourage communication. For older children, we might engage in structured conversations and use tasks that assess their language skills. Here’s a breakdown of the evaluation process:
Discussion with Parents/Caregivers: We’ll talk with you about your child’s communication milestones, history, and any challenges you've noticed.
Observation and Interaction: For younger children, we use play to observe how they interact and communicate. For older children, we assess their ability to follow directions and engage in structured language tasks.
Formal Testing: Depending on your child’s age and needs, we may use standardized assessments to evaluate speech and language skills. These tests provide us with detailed insights into your child's abilities.
Informal Assessment: In addition to formal tests, we observe your child in natural settings, engaging in everyday conversations and tasks to assess their real-world communication skills.
After the Evaluation
Once the evaluation is complete, we’ll review our findings with you. We’ll highlight your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. If speech-language therapy is recommended, we will work together to create a personalized therapy plan that aligns with your child’s needs. This plan will include goals and therapy frequency.
How You Can Prepare for a Speech-Language Evaluation
To ensure the process goes smoothly, here are some helpful tips:
Share Relevant Information: Bring details about your child’s development, health, and communication history.
Bring Comfort Items: Let your child bring a favorite toy or comfort item to make them feel more at ease.
Ask Questions: Feel free to ask us any questions about the evaluation process or your child’s development.
A speech-language evaluation is an important first step in understanding your child’s communication needs. It helps us identify challenges and form the foundation for a personalized therapy plan. At Jordan Speech-Language Therapy, we’re dedicated to making the evaluation process comfortable and supportive for both you and your child. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an evaluation, reach out to us today!