Speech Therapy Evaluation: When to Ask for One

While every child develops at their own pace, there are certain milestones that can guide parents in identifying potential issues. If your child’s speech or language development seems to be delayed or different from their peers, it may be time to consider a speech therapy evaluation. Below are some common reasons to seek an evaluation:

Reasons to Seek Help

1. Late Talking or Nonverbal. By the time children reach age 2, they should be able to say a few words. They should also start forming short phrases. If a child is still not speaking by this age or is only using gestures or sounds to communicate, it may indicate a speech or language delay. In some cases, nonverbal children may have other developmental concerns that warrant further assessment.
2. Difficulty Understanding Language. As children grow, they should become better at following directions and understanding the language used around them. If your child struggles to follow simple directions like “please put the book on the shelf” or has trouble understanding questions (e.g., “What’s your name?”), it could indicate a language comprehension issue. Understanding spoken language is foundational to speech development, so difficulties in this area may warrant an evaluation.
3. Problems with Pronunciation or Articulation. If your child is difficult to understand, especially after age 3, it could be a sign of an articulation disorder. Common issues may include difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (such as “r,” “l,” or “s”) or substituting sounds (e.g., saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”). While some mispronunciations are normal in younger children, consistent or more severe articulation issues can indicate the need for speech therapy.

Other Reasons to Seek an Evaluation

1. Stuttering or Disfluency. Occasional stuttering or speech disfluencies are common among young children as they learn to speak. However, if a child continues to stutter past the age of 4 or exhibits other signs of fluency disorders, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation. Stuttering that causes frustration or avoidance of speaking can also affect a child’s self-esteem and social interaction.
2. Social Communication Struggles. Beyond speaking and understanding language, effective communication also involves social interaction. If your child struggles to engage in conversations, has trouble taking turns in dialogue, or doesn’t understand the social rules of communication (e.g., making eye contact or using gestures), they may have a pragmatic language disorder. Social communication issues can interfere with peer relationships and classroom participation, making early intervention important.
3. Difficulty with Reading or Writing. Speech and language are closely tied to literacy skills. If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling, it could be due to an underlying speech/ language disorder. Difficulty with sound-letter correspondence (phonics), understanding written instructions, or forming written sentences may indicate the need for a speech therapy evaluation. These skills rely on good oral language development.

WHat Does a Speech Therapy Evaluation Include?

When you take your child for a speech therapy evaluation, the process typically includes:

• Interviewing the Parent/Caregiver – The SLP will ask about your child’s medical history, milestones, and any concerns you may have.
• Observation – The SLP will observe your child’s speech, language use, and social communication skills in a comfortable setting.
• Formal Assessment Tools – The SLP may use standardized tests and other assessment tools to evaluate your child’s speech and language abilities. These look at areas like vocabulary, grammar, articulation, and fluency.
• Recommendations – Based on the evaluation, the speech therapist will provide feedback and suggest whether speech therapy is needed. They will also discuss the proposed therapy plan.

Early identification and intervention can make a profound difference in helping children overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. By being proactive and seeking help when needed, you can support your child in developing strong communication skills. These skills will benefit them throughout their life.

Reference

1. CDC’s Developmental Milestones (2024) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html (Accessed: 02 January 2025).