Evaluation Services
Before speech/language/communication therapy can begin, evaluations are completed. Evaluations are like a roadmap for your child's communication development. They help me understand your child's strengths and areas where they might need some extra support. This information plays a critical role when I am creating a therapy plan that's just right for your child, in order to help them learn and grow in the best way possible.
Depending on your child's needs the following components may be used during an evaluation.
Caregiver interview
In addition to telling me about your child, caregivers will be asked to fill out a brief developmental and medical history and a speech/ langauge survey. These will be made available to you in advance to fill out at your convenience.
Observation & Play
This helps me get to know your child before I start formal evaluations. I want to see what they are drawn to, motivated by, and how they interact with their environment. If your child is slow to warm up, that's okay!
Language Samples
Collecting initial language samples during play is a great way to monitor progress over time. It provides a baseline that I can refer back to, helping me assess growth. Additionally, it allows me to analyze your child’s language skills in relation to age-appropriate expectations.
Standardized Testing
Standardized tests are important tools that provide a consistent and objective way to measure your child's skills compared to other children of the same age. They provide a lot of valuable information in a relatively short amount of time. Standardized Test Protocols are selected based on our conversations as well as my initial observations of your child.