How Do We Assess Your Child’s Speech & Language Needs?

This 30–45 minute video session gives us the chance to:

• Understand your concerns

• Review your child’s history

• Go through any relevant reports and discuss any other therapies to date

• Discuss the therapy contract and GDPR information that will be provided prior to the session. (maybe link to parent contract and GDPR here?)

• Plan next steps

We recommend both parents/carers attend where possible.

Your child attends the clinic in Sligo town for a comprehensive, play-based assessment. To help your child feel comfortable, we give them time to settle in a bright, welcoming space.

Assessment types and duration:

Many parents wonder whether their child needs a speech or language assessment — and it’s completely normal to be unsure.

-Speech is about how we say sounds and words.

A speech assessment looks at how clearly your child pronounces sounds, their voice, and their fluency (e.g., stammering). If your child is difficult to understand, mixes up sounds (e.g., says “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”), or stutters, a speech assessment may be the right starting point.

A speech assessment typically takes 45-60 minutes. The main part of the assessment focuses on how your child pronounces different sounds. The therapist might:

• Use picture cards or picture books and ask your child to name what they see

• Use a speech assessment app on a tablet to record and analyse how your child says words

• Ask your child to repeat certain words or sounds

• Use games or puzzles to keep your child engaged while they talk

The therapist will pay attention to:

• Which sounds your child can and can’t say yet

• Whether they miss out sounds, swap sounds, or add extra ones

• Whether they can say a sound in some words but not others

• How easy or hard it is to understand your child

- Language is about what we say and how we understand others.

A language assessment looks at how your child uses words, builds sentences, follows instructions, and understands what’s being said to them. If your child struggles to express themselves, understand directions, or use age-appropriate words and sentences, a language assessment may be more suitable.

Language assessments typically take 1.5- 2 hrs.

Very often young children may find these sessions too long so they can be split over two shorter sessions.

-Play-Based Assessment

For toddlers and preschoolers, most of the assessment happens through play. This helps us see how your child:

• Engages with others (eye contact, turn-taking, joint attention)

• Uses gestures, sounds, or words to communicate

• Understands simple words and instructions

• Responds to questions or routines

The therapist may use toys like animals, puzzles, dolls, or pretend food — things that encourage natural interaction. This play is both fun and informative!

-Looking at books, pictures and apps

To explore how your child understands and uses language, the therapist might:

• Look at picture books together and ask your child questions

• Use simple assessment tools (e.g., pointing to named pictures)

• Use a tablet or app with interactive images or sounds

• Ask your child to name familiar items, describe pictures, or follow simple directions

These tasks help check your child’s:

• Understanding (receptive language): how well they follow instructions or respond to questions

• Talking (expressive language): how they combine words, name things, or share ideas.

-Standardised Assessment (if suitable)

If your child is old enough and happy to take part, we might use a more formal language test. These involve looking at pictures or answering simple questions and give a clear idea of how your child is doing compared to others their age

Additional options (like school visits or teacher consultations) may be recommended depending on your child’s needs.

After the assessment:

At the end of the session, or at a later date, the therapist will explain what they’ve seen in a clear and supportive way.

You’ll learn:

• What your child is doing well.

• Where they might need support.

• Ideas for encouraging communication or speech at home.

• Whether therapy is recommended and what it would involve.

• There will be space and time for any questions you may have.

• A written summary will follow.

• With your consent, referrals to other services (e.g. Audiology, Psychology, HSE) may be made where needed.

Full reports are available on request for an additional fee (useful for referrals or IEP support).

If therapy is recommended, we’ll arrange sessions tailored to your child’s needs. Frequency may be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

• Sessions are typically 45 minutes for speech and 60 minutes for language work as we combine supporting the child and providing parental coaching. Time is allowed for a recap of the session and any tips for home.

• Parent/carer involvement is encouraged.

• Strategies for home practice are shared.

• Therapy is fun, engaging, and child-centred.

Many children settle quickly and often don’t want to leave!

Every 6–8 sessions, we meet with you to review your child’s progress, update goals, and answer any questions.

You may choose to pause or end therapy at any time. We may recommend discharge when your child has reached their communication goals and is thriving or we feel a change of supports may be beneficial.