Speech Assessment for children

Linked Communication uses a range of formal speech assessments and informal clinical observation to assess phonological awareness and speech sounds.

What is speech?

Speech is how we produce sounds using our tongue, lips, palate, and respiratory system.

Speech refers to:

  • Speaking without hesitating too much or without repeating or elongating words or sounds

  • Being able to produce sounds like ‘s’ and ‘z’ clearly and blend phonemes together to make words so people can understand what you say

Child Speech Assessment
Child Speech Assessment

You may notice the following difficulties in your or your child's speech:

  • Difficulty with producing speech sounds

  • Being misunderstood by others

  • Parents or caregivers may have to translate for you

  • Withdrawing from communicating with others

Speech red flags

What to expect in your child’s Speech Assessment

The informant (someone who knows the child well in the home context) will complete a case history with one of our speech and language therapists either via the telephone or face-to-face. This will usually take place prior to meeting your child. The clinician will take a detailed history of your child’s presenting difficulties, past medical history, developmental history, and family history. This lasts for approximately 30 minutes.

Your child’s case history

Your child’s Speech Assessment may take place in our clinic, in school or online. On the day of the assessment, the speech and language therapist will meet with your child and conduct an informal clinical observation and formal speech assessments focussing on:

  • Phonological processes

  • Articulation skills

  • Oro-motor development

  • Voice quality e.g., loudness, pitch, and quality of voice

We use lots of visuals and toys to capture your child’s attention and ensure they feel comfortable. This lasts for approximately 30-45 minutes.

We aim to complete the assessment with your child within 2 weeks of the appointment booking.

Your child’s Speech Assessment

TOP TIP

Using a mirror, encourage your child to look in their mouth and name what they see.

Encourage your child to gently place their hand on their throat and identify what sound makes a vibration e.g., ‘mm’ and ‘sh’.

Child Speech Assessment
Child Speech assessment

What happens after the assessment

Your speech and language therapist will formulate a differential diagnosis, taking into consideration all the above information. You will be provided feedback within 7 days of the assessment unless further information is required.

Once the assessment and findings have been discussed, a report will be written by the speech and language therapist and sent to you within three weeks. Our reports are comprehensive and include details of the assessment, information provided by you, a diagnosis if relevant, our understanding of your child’s difficulties, our recommendations for your child and lastly resources for you to explore.

The Speech and language therapist will also discuss how Linked Communication Services may be able to support on a 1-1 basis and whether your child would benefit from further investigation into their speech, learning, language and/or communication development.

We recommend that you share our report with your GP along with any other health care professional who is supporting your child (e.g., GP, Paediatrician, etc). Our report can also be shared with your child’s school and used towards an EHCP – Education Health Care Plan.

Reviews

About Linked Communication

Linked Communication offers a professional and friendly service where time and attention can be taken to ensure the service received is of the highest standard and there is minimal waiting time. Our specialist team will always take the time to provide expert advice so you are aware of all the pre-and post-diagnostic and therapy services available. Our clinic is for children and adults, based in Margate. We provide online or in-person therapy sessions.

Communication with a whole new meaning