What to Expect at a Speech Evaluation
A speech-language evaluation helps identify and address concerns about your child’s communication skills.
During the evaluation appointment, a speech-language pathologist will talk with you about your child’s developmental and communication history. They will perform standardized speech-language testing to determine your child’s current communication skill level in different areas, such as following directions, talking, unclear speech, stuttering and use of voice.
After the evaluation, the speech pathologist will share their results and recommendations with you, including whether they think your child may benefit from speech therapy.
What is speech therapy?
Speech-language therapy is provided by a licensed speech pathologist in an individual or group setting. During a therapy session, the speech pathologist will work directly with your child to develop communication skills. They will also provide suggestions and support for your family.
During the initial sessions, your speech pathologist will identify age-appropriate goals for your child. Each week, they will work with your child on these goals through activities and games that develop specific speech-language skills. Your child will come for weekly sessions until their goals are met, or up to a maximum of 6 months or 24 sessions.
Children's Mercy is primarily a diagnostic center, so we partner with community providers for many types of ongoing therapy services, including speech therapy. If your child requires speech therapy following their speech evaluation, we may suggest that you contact your school district or early birth to three programs, like the Infant-Toddler Program (in Kansas) or First Steps (in Missouri).
For families who receive speech therapy at Children’s Mercy, we have a limit of a maximum of 25 weekly sessions or 6 months of therapy. This short-term model allows us to serve as many families as possible while still providing excellent therapy services for your child. After the speech evaluation, you will experience a waiting period to begin therapy and if you require a specific location the wait may be longer.