Speech and Language Assessments
An assessment is a diagnostic test conducted by a qualified Speech-Language Therapist that would provide comprehensive information in regards to a child’s communication abilities. It will help to determine the types and dosage of intervention required in the future.
In an assessment, a Speech-Language Therapist may collect case history from parents/caregivers, assess expressive (the use of) and receptive (the understanding of) language skills, speech skills, pragmatics skills (social use of language such as eye contact), fluency ability, voice ability, swallowing ability, followed by analysis and interpretation of assessment results, forming a diagnosis (including area of difficulty, severity and consistency), coming up with the prognosis and provide recommendations.
The following are some examples of the components involved in different areas of assessment:
Language (Expressive)
– Vocabulary skills
– Grammar
– Sentence length and complexity
– Writing skills
Language (Receptive)
– Ability to follow instructions
– Ability to understand, interpret and analysed “Wh-” questions
– Reading skills
Pragmatics (Social use of language)
– Ability to request
– Ability to initiate conversations
– Turn-taking skills
Speech
– Oral motor skills (the strength, range and rate of movement of speech muscles)
– Speech intelligibility
– Sound inventory
Fluency
– Stuttering behaviours involved (e.g., repetition of sounds and syllables)
– Severity of the stuttering
Voice
– Auditory perceptual analysis of voice (A speech therapist will make judgement about the voice quality of a client)
– Acoustic analysis of voice (including quality, loudness and pitch)
Swallowing
– Feeding and swallowing difficulties of a child (e.g., fussy eaters)
– Chewing and swallowing difficulties of an adult
The types of assessments involved differ from case to case. For example, an assessment session for a post-stroke adult is completely different from a child with Autism.
A quick note on our hygiene practices from our Speech-Language Therapists. At a consistent basis, we practice regular hand washing, sanitizing therapy materials including toys, cleaning the furniture including child tables and chairs, cleaning the floor, door handles, bookshelves, curtains, fans, stairs, and other parts of the premise to protect your child. As a precautionary measure, we carry out temperature scanning to ensure your child has no fever prior to the session. We would advise parents/guardians to reschedule the session if your child is sick. Your kind understanding and cooperation is deeply appreciated.