Evaluation information
During the comprehensive evaluation, the speech-language pathologist will use a variety of assessment tools to determine strengths and weaknesses in the child’s overall communication. The assessment will include a parent interview, review of past records including health, developmental milestones and previous assessments where applicable, formal standardized measures, informal observations, and behavioral observations.
For young children, the formal evaluation is highly play based with some structured tasks. For older children and adolescents, more formal measures are administered. The different assessments that are administered will compare your child’s communication skills to same aged peers. Based on the concerns of the parent and/or person making the referral for evaluation, the assessments will look at:
Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary
Understanding of concepts, directions, and complex sentences
Understanding and use of grammar and syntax
Ability to interact socially through the use language
Articulation of speech sounds
Voice Quality
Fluency of speech
Following the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist will have the information needed to guide goal development for effective therapy for your child. Results of the evaluation will be shared with the parents in detail and a written report will be provided that summarizes the assessment results and outlines the recommendations discussed with the parents.