What Can I Expect During My Child’s Speech and Language Evaluation?
When your child gets referred for a speech and language evaluation at Hummingbird, the first question you may ask is “What will the evaluation entail?” The evaluation is conducted to learn how your child communicates and understands their environment. Every evaluation is different, and therapists are trained to meet your child where they are in their skill development.
What is a speech and language evaluation?
A speech-language evaluation is completed by a trained speech-language pathologist to assess your child’s communication and language skills. The goal of the evaluation is to determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth. The evaluation will assess your child’s skills in multiple areas, including:
- Language: How your child understands language and uses language to communicate
- Speech sounds: How your child produces and pronounces words
- Pragmatics (social skills): How your child uses language to interact socially, conversationally, and in play
- Oral motor skills: How mouth structures move for speaking
- Voice/fluency (if applicable): How your child’s voice sounds and flows
What happens during the evaluation?
A speech and language evaluation is scheduled for 60 minutes. This includes a parent interview, child observation, speech sample, and standardized testing. The therapist will guide you through the evaluation by asking questions about your child’s development, observing your child in play, and completing structured tasks as tolerated. Following the evaluation, the therapist will review the evaluation with you and work to create functional goals for your child. Parent involvement is an important part of your child’s success throughout their treatment plan.
What if my child won’t participate during the evaluation?
Don’t stress! This is common and can be expected when your child is placed in a new environment. Our speech-language pathologists are well trained in helping children in a variety of situations.
Information is still able to be obtained by:
- Observing your child through play and how they explore toys
- Observing how your child communicates non-verbally through gestures, signs, and body language
- Observing early communication skills, including vocalizations and babbling
- Gathering information through a parent interview
What happens after the evaluation?
Following the evaluation your child’s therapist will go over their therapeutic recommendations and goals written. Hummingbird’s philosophy is to get children scheduled for services at least twice weekly. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to be a part of the session. The more consistently the child is seen, the faster they will meet their goals and graduate. If your child’s therapist is out for the day, our front desk will do their best to reschedule your session to another therapist. Having your child work with and meet different therapists builds your child’s comfort and generalization of skills to others.
How can I set my child up for success?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Our therapists are happy to help you understand your child’s treatment plan and progress.
- Stay involved and follow through with your recommended home exercise program. Home carryover is critical for faster progress. This increases your child’s confidence for their success and emphasizes skills in a natural setting!
- Encourage your child’s therapist to collaborate with other professionals involved in your child’s plan of care, whether this be your child’s teacher or other caregivers. This supports consistency and carryover for your child.
Meet the author: Ms. Michelle, MS., CCC-SLP, ASDCS