Language Disorder Evaluation
A thorough language disorder evaluation is necessary before any speech therapy treatment begins.
Without a thorough evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist, a child will have a scattered and inappropriate treatment plan which equals frustration, loss of time and money, and little to no progress.
Language Disorder Evaluation: Everything You Need TO Know
Language Disorder Evaluation Overview
The actual testing lasts about 1-2 hours (face-to-face with child). The review of the case history, scoring, interpretations, and report writing take longer.
Extensive case history (this one is HUGE)
- Review of previous medical records
- Questionnaire for parents on development/home observations
- Interview with teachers and parents to gather relevant concerns
Oral mechanism examination
- Asses structure and function of articulators
Standardized testing for any of the following language areas (areas of assessment will depend on results of the case history)
- phonology
- semantics
- morphology
- syntax
- pragmatics
- reading
- writing
Formal observation across settings such as:
- Classroom
- Interacting with family and/or peers
- Unstructured environments such as recess
Articulation evaluation
- may be given to rule out a phonological disorder
Different Types Of Evaluations
A language disorder evaluation may include one or more of the following evaluation tools listed below. Most likely a child will complete more than one tool. A variety of evaluations tools is essential to get a full picture of a child’s skills across settings. Remember, language is dependent on context!!!
- Norm-referenced tests: provides standard scores of a child’s language skills compared with age-matched peers
- Criterion-referenced tests and developmental scales: provides information about a child’s language skills compared to set of predetermined criteria or developmental milestones
- Language samples: a spontaneous language sample is collected and analyzed for specific speech/language measures such as mean length of utterance
- Parent interview/observation: information based on parent report and/or observation of a child in a naturalistic environment
- Observation: observe a child in a natural environment such as a classroom and describe strengths and areas of need
Results
After completing a language disorder evaluation, results may indicate one or more of the following:
- Diagnosis of a language disorder, speech sound, and/or phonological disorder
- Determination of a language delay, NOT a disorder (child is just behind)
- Description of the characteristics and severity of the disorder or delay (this is one of the MOST important results for goal writing and monitoring progress over time)
- Description of how language skills vary depending on situation and context (this is the SECOND more important - context is key!)
- Recommendations for treatment and /or individualized language strategies
- Referral to other professionals (if needed)
What to do next
If your child already had a language disorder evaluation and you already have the results, start a therapy program immediately. The sooner you begin the better.
In the meantime, you can work on language skills at home with these free activities. These activities are great for all kids, even the kids who didn’t qualify for services!
There is A LOT you can do. It will depend on your child’s age and areas of need.
Below are free, functional language games by age:
Paid options. For a few dollars, you will access to step-by-step guides and printable materials.
Other Pages You Might Be Interested In
Language Disorders Overview
Language Disorder Therapy
Language Therapy Materials
Bridget is an ASHA certified, practicing speech-language pathologist. She is passionate about providing parents with information on child speech and language development as well as provide functional, easy activities to do at home! Parents have the power to make a real difference. Follow Bridget at Facebook and Pinterest for more fun!
Author of child language development eBook series
Reference:
- Speech Sound Disorders-Articulation and Phonology. Retrieved 4 October 2017, from http://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/clinical-Topics/Spoken-Language-Disorders/
- Clinical experience
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