Why evaluations matter

A speech and language evaluation is a collaborative, low-stress way to understand how a child communicates across settings. It looks at strengths, current challenges, and the best next steps for progress. The process is tailored to age, attention, culture, and home languages, which means results reflect real life, not just a testing room.

Nearly 1 in 12 U.S. children ages 3 to 17 has experienced a disorder related to voice, speech, language, or swallowing in the past year (CDC).

What typically happens

• Conversation and case history: Why you are seeking support, medical and school background, daily routines.
• Caregiver interview: Your insights on play, behavior, and communication at home and in the community.
• Play-based observation: Natural interaction to see how your child understands, expresses, and socializes.
• Standardized measures: If appropriate, normed tests to compare skills with same-age peers.
• Speech sound check: Clarity, patterns, and stimulability for sounds that are tough right now.
• Language skills: Understanding directions, vocabulary, grammar, storytelling, and following classroom routines.
• Social communication: Turn taking, eye contact, perspective taking, and play skills.
• Oral mechanism screening: Quick look at strength, range of motion, and structure that support speech.
• Hearing considerations: Discussion of recent hearing results or referral if needed.

Evaluation is not a test to pass or fail. It is a snapshot that guides meaningful, individualized support.

How results help your child

You can expect a clear explanation of findings, a functional profile of strengths, and a prioritized plan. This might include targeted goals, recommended session frequency, and caregiver coaching strategies you can use during everyday routines. You will also get ideas for school collaboration, including classroom accommodations and how progress will be measured. When bilingual, the plan considers both languages to protect and build the whole communication system.

To prepare, bring any relevant reports, note specific concerns with examples, and share what motivates your child. If attention is a concern, schedule when your child is most alert and bring a preferred snack or comfort item. If you need an interpreter or translated materials, let the evaluator know so your family’s communication style is honored from the start.

The biggest benefit is clarity. A thorough evaluation turns worry into a roadmap, so you know what to work on, why it matters, and how to support communication in daily life.