What happens during an assessment?

I can see your child at home or at nursery or school, depending on what is the best setting for your child. Before I see your child, I will send you a form to complete, which asks about your child’s development so far, your concerns and what your child likes to do. We can also arrange a phonecall to talk about your concerns in more depth. 

Assessment varies depending on the age and stage of each child. It may take the form of informal assessment 
i.e. assessment through play for younger children, informal conversation and activities for older children. For some children, more formal assessment using published standardised tests of speech or language might be needed. Depending on the age of the child and areas of difficulty, I will look at all areas of communication: non-verbal communication (eg. eye contact, gesture), understanding of spoken language, use of spoken language (eg. for labeling, description, requesting), interaction with others, speech sounds and fluency.

In order to gain a full picture of your child, it may be necessary, with your permission, to talk to others involved with your child eg. nursery/ school teachers, health visitors, other professionals. If you have reports from others who have been involved with your child's development, you are welcome to share them with me to help to build a fuller picture.


What happens next?

We will talk about the assessment findings and what your child needs. It may be that a bit of simple advice will be all that is needed. In other situations, it may be that some direct intervention is needed and I can offer a series of 1:1 sessions to address specific areas of difficulty. I will also give ideas of activities to carry out each week between appointments to support progress.

In some cases, I may suggest others professionals who should be involved, for example, if your child has difficulties with hearing, movement, social communication, learning. This might include an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant, Audiologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, another Speech and Language Therapist in a specialist area.

 It is best practice for me to liaise with others involved, with your permission. It may include school or nursery, or other health or education professionals. This provides the fullest picture of your child and ensure that they are given the best input and support to achieve their full potential.

Blowing Bubbles

Early Language Concept cards

Minimals Pairs game on the ipad