For many parents, scheduling a first speech therapy evaluation can feel overwhelming. Questions, worries, and uncertainty often come up before the appointment even begins. The good news is that a speech therapy evaluation is not a test your child can fail. It is simply a way to better understand how your child communicates and how to best support them.
At Vero Speech Therapy, my goal is to make both children and parents feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout the entire process. Here is what you can expect during your child’s first speech therapy evaluation.
The Purpose of a Speech Therapy Evaluation
A speech therapy evaluation is designed to:
- Understand your child’s current communication skills
- Identify strengths as well as areas that may need support
- Determine whether therapy is recommended
- Create a clear, personalized plan if services are needed
It is not about labeling your child. It is about gaining clarity.
Gathering Background Information
The evaluation begins with a conversation.
Parents are asked about:
- Medical and developmental history
- Pregnancy and birth history, if relevant
- Early milestones such as crawling, walking, and first words
- Family history of speech or language challenges
- Concerns noticed at home or school
This information helps paint a full picture of your child, not just their speech.
Building Comfort Through Play
Children communicate best when they feel relaxed and safe.
During the evaluation:
- Play-based activities are used to encourage natural communication
- Toys, games, and interaction are carefully selected
- Your child is never pressured to perform
Play allows the therapist to observe how your child communicates in real-life situations, not just structured tasks.
Observing Speech and Language Skills
The evaluation looks at several areas, depending on your child’s age and needs, including:
- How your child understands language
- How they express their thoughts and needs
- Clarity of speech sounds
- Vocabulary use
- Sentence structure
- Social communication skills
For younger children, this may look like playing and talking. For older children, it may include structured activities or conversation.
Checking Oral-Motor Skills
Oral-motor skills involve how the mouth, lips, tongue, and jaw work together for speech.
This may include observing:
- Lip movement
- Tongue strength and coordination
- Jaw stability
- Breath support
These observations help determine whether physical factors may be affecting speech clarity.
Age-Appropriate Standardized Tools (When Needed)
In some cases, standardized assessment tools are used to compare your child’s skills to typical developmental milestones. These tools are chosen carefully and used only when appropriate for your child’s age and comfort level.
Results are always interpreted alongside real-life observations, not in isolation.
Understanding What Is Typical and What Is Not
One of the most valuable parts of the evaluation is helping parents understand:
- What speech and language skills are typical for their child’s age
- Which patterns are still developing naturally
- Which areas may benefit from extra support
Many parents leave feeling relieved simply from gaining clarity.
Discussing Results and Recommendations
After the evaluation, findings are explained in clear, simple language.
You will learn:
- Whether speech therapy is recommended
- Which areas to focus on
- How therapy would support your child
- What progress may look like over time
There is always time for questions, and parents are encouraged to be part of the decision-making process.
What If Therapy Is Recommended?
If therapy is recommended, the next steps include:
- Creating individualized goals
- Scheduling sessions that fit your family’s needs
- Discussing how parents can support progress at home
If therapy is not recommended, guidance is still provided so parents know what to watch for and how to encourage continued development.
A Supportive First Step, Not a Final Answer
A speech therapy evaluation is a starting point, not a judgment. Many children benefit greatly from early support, and others simply need time and guidance.
At Vero Speech Therapy, evaluations are designed to be informative, gentle, and empowering for families.
Helping Your Child Find Their Voice
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s speech or language development, an evaluation can provide peace of mind and direction.
Contact Us Today to schedule a speech therapy evaluation or learn more about services.
Early understanding leads to confident communication.
