Assessment is how we begin every new client in speech therapy. Having an assessment done by a qualified speech pathologist using a well-known test gives us a good idea of your child’s language, speech, and social skill abilities. Then we are able to determine appropriate goals within a plan of care so that we can work together to help you child achieve the highest and best for his or her life!
The speech therapy evaluation also allows us to track the progress of your child, so we can see how well he or she is doing in working towards meeting goals. We typically recommend re-testing every 3-6 months in order to see how well your child has progressed. We can then update, change, or add new goals as appropriate – with the end goal of your child being completely independent with their speech and language skills so that we can discharge from therapy!
In assessment, we use a variety of standardized tests in order to assess your child’s speech/articulation skills, expressive and receptive language, fluency (stuttering), social skills, voice disorders, and feeding/swallowing. Our speech pathologists are qualified to assess in English or Spanish.
Some of the tests that we employ are:
- Oral Written Language Scales (OWLS, OWLS II)
- Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation (GFTA-2)
- Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5, PLS-5 Spanish)
- Receptive-Expressive Emerging Language Test (REEL-3)
- Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4)
- Stuttering Severity Index (SSI-2)
- Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (EOWPVT-4)
- Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (ROWPVT-4)
- Functional Communication Profile (FCP)
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-4)
- Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-3)
- Contextual Probes of Articulation Competence, Spanish Edition (CPAC-S)
The purpose of the assessment is to establish a baseline for your child’s language skills as well as to develop an appropriate plan of care with relevant goals. The assessment usually takes about an hour, and can be done from within the comfort of your home. We will answer any questions that you have and collaborate to determine goals. Many times our families are relieved to hear that there is a plan and a way to help your child achieve their highest and best goals.
When beginning speech therapy, there is now way to definitively say how long the process will take. When in doubt, recommend starting at least with an evaluation so that you can have an idea of some of the aspects of language that your child may lack. Our INDIVIDUAL SPEECH THERAPY SESSIONS (Link to page) in your home will help your child to achieve his or her language goals as quick as possible.
