Speech-Language Evaluation

During this evaluation, a provider looks at your child's speech and language skills within the context of their total
development. The provider watches your child, interacts with them through play, and uses standardized tests and scales. The provider evaluates:

• What your child understands (receptive language skills)
• What your child can say (expressive language skills)
• If your child is attempting to communicate in other ways (for example, pointing, head shaking, or gesturing)
• How a child's mouth, tongue, and palate all work together for speech, as well as eating and swallowing (oral-motor status)

During the evaluation, the provider also gets a detailed history of your child’s symptoms. A hearing screening may also be completed. A tape recording or video recording may be made to assist with the evaluation. If the communication problem relates to the voice, an evaluation of breathing patterns and vocal cord movement will be done. The evaluation usually takes one to two hours. The provider lets you know if additional testing time is needed.

Learn more about speech and language disorders

Access

If your child is over age three, ask for an evaluation from your child’s school. If your child is under age three, ask for an evaluation from Early Intervention. You can also get a referral from your child’s pediatrician or a recommendation from your child’s school, childcare provider, or other parents or friends.

Providers

• Speech-language pathologist

Location

Evaluations are done through an outpatient speech-language program at a hospital or community mental health center.

Learn more about mental health evaluations