Speech & Language Evaluations
A speech-language evaluation is a structured assessment that establishes what a student can and cannot currently do across speech, language, and literacy — and what to do about it. It combines standardized testing with informal observation, samples of real conversation and writing, and input from teachers and families, and ends in a written report you can actually use.
Who this is for
Families who suspect something is off but do not know what, school teams determining eligibility for services, and anyone who has been told to "wait and see" for longer than feels right. An evaluation is usually the correct first step when the question is open-ended.
What an evaluation covers
The exact battery depends on the referral question, but a comprehensive evaluation generally looks across all the areas that could plausibly explain what is being seen, rather than only the presenting complaint.
- Speech sound production and intelligibility
- Receptive and expressive language
- Phonological awareness and early literacy skills
- Language sample from real conversation, not just test items
- Teacher and family input on classroom and home function
The report you get
Reports are written to be read by families, not only by clinicians. Scores are explained in plain language, strengths are named alongside needs, and recommendations are specific enough to act on — including whether therapy is warranted at all, and if so at what frequency.
For school teams
We participate in eligibility determinations and IEP meetings directly, and write reports that stand up to the documentation requirements a special education team has to satisfy.
Questions about speech & language evaluations
How long does an evaluation take?
Direct testing is usually one to two sessions depending on the student's age and stamina, plus scoring and report writing. We will give you a timeline for the written report when we schedule.
How is this different from the evaluation my school does?
School evaluations determine eligibility for special education services under state and federal criteria — a student can have a real difficulty and still not qualify. A private evaluation answers the clinical question directly: what is going on and what would help. The two complement each other, and we do both.
More questions about getting started, payment, and locations
Related services
Speech-Language Therapy
Based on individual needs, speech-language therapy with a licensed speech-language pathologist can target the underlying skills to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Articulation & Articulation Disorders
Individualized therapy for speech sound production — helping students say sounds clearly and confidently so they can be understood by teachers, friends, and family.
Language
Support for understanding and using language — vocabulary, grammar, following directions, telling stories, and expressing ideas clearly.