What Does a Pediatric Speech Evaluation Check? 8 Areas SLPs Look At

As speech therapists, we frequently encounter the question, "Does my child need speech therapy?" Many parents express concerns like, "I can't understand my child," "My child isn't talking as much as their peers," "My child seems to have trouble understanding me," or "My child has difficulty eating."

If you have similar worries about your child's speech and language development, it might be time to consider a comprehensive speech and language evaluation. We understand that the idea of having your child evaluated can be daunting, but rest assured, we are here to guide you through the process.

This article covers the skill areas a pediatric speech therapist may look at, and signs parents often notice in each one. For a step-by-step look at the appointment itself, see What to Expect at a Speech Evaluation.

8 Areas a Speech Evaluation Can Check

Speech Therapists or Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) do more than just help with correct sound production. Depending on your concerns, an evaluation may look at any of these areas:

1. Expressive Language

How your child uses words to express themselves.

What you might notice: Your child uses fewer words than peers, speaks in short sentences, or has trouble finding words and putting thoughts in order.

2. Receptive Language

Your child's ability to hear and understand spoken language.

What you might notice: Your child has trouble following directions or answering questions, or often seems not to be listening.

3. Articulation

The production of speech sounds.

What you might notice: Sounds are left out or swapped, and people outside the family have a hard time understanding your child. Read more about articulation and speech clarity.

4. Fluency

The smoothness and continuity of speech, which may involve addressing stuttering.

What you might notice: Your child repeats sounds or words, stretches sounds out, or gets stuck before a word comes out. Read more about stuttering in kids.

5. Voice

This includes aspects like voice quality, pitch, loudness, and vocal hygiene.

What you might notice: Your child's voice often sounds hoarse or breathy, or is usually much too loud or too soft.

6. Auditory Processing

Addressing difficulties in processing auditory information.

What you might notice: Your child hears fine but has a hard time making sense of what was said, especially with background noise or long directions.

7. AAC (Augmentative Alternative Communication)

Implementing communication methods for non-verbal communication, such as picture communication or communication devices.

What you might notice: Your child has few or no spoken words, or gets frustrated when they can't make themselves understood.

8. Feeding/Oral Motor Skills

Assisting with chewing, swallowing, and advancing the child's diet if they face challenges in these areas.

What you might notice: Your child gags often, eats a very small list of foods, or has trouble moving from purees to more textured foods. Learn how speech and OT help picky eaters.

Scheduling a Speech Therapy Evaluation for Your Child

To initiate the process of having your child evaluated for speech therapy, reach out to your child's primary care doctor for a speech therapy referral. Alternatively, you can contact our office directly at 918-615-6492 ext. 2, and our client coordinators will assist you with the necessary steps to schedule the evaluation.

What Happens at the Evaluation

The therapist will talk with you about your worries, your child's goals, and relevant medical history, then interact with your child through play and, if possible, a formal speech assessment. Afterward, they will share their findings and recommendations with you, and they may suggest activities to try at home. Read the full walkthrough on our What to Expect at a Speech Evaluation page.