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
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’.
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
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“Thank you so much for all your help, support and care. You have explained everything we needed and thank you for saying I can get in touch if we need any more help.”
— Janet, 09-08-2022
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“You were very patient with our son and always gave us ideas so that we could support him between therapy sessions. Thank you so much!”
— Lisa, 01-06-2022
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“After our daughter's Speech and language assessment, you offered great feedback and your report was very detailed. This was a huge help towards the EHCP process.”
— Trish, 24-07-2022
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“Heidi was very engaging and really listened to the needs of my son. She explained her methods and gave us tips to try at home. We are really pleased with the service.”
— Sophie, 01-03-2023
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“The calls have helped me to find more space and given me a safe space to discuss and release emotions. Tim's nature and communication is comforting and supportive, he adds thoughts and questions which offer space to analyse and to help growth.”
— Clark, 06-03-2023
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