What is the purpose of a SpeechThe motor production of oral language; See Articulation - LanguageA language disorder when they have trouble understanding others (receptive language) and/or sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings completely (expressive language). evaluation?

A speech and language evaluation can determine whether speech and/or language skills are developing normally, and whether or not professional intervention is needed. A speech-language pathologist with experience in child development can evaluate the child's specific strengths and needs and establish an organized plan of intervention if treatment is warranted.

What does and speech-language evaluation involve?

A. Case History Form

B. Prior Test & Reports

C. Parent/Caregiver Interview

D. Child Observation

E. Informal Testing (may include one or more of the following)

1. LanguageA language disorder when they have trouble understanding others (receptive language) and/or sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings completely (expressive language). Sample
2. Oral Motor SkillsThe ability to use the oral mechanism for functional speech or feeding, including chewing, blowing, or making specific sounds. examination
3. VoiceA person with a voice disorder has problems involving abnormal pitch, loudness, or quality of the sounds produced by the larynx (the voice box). (subjective assessment of pitch, quality, intensity and resonance)

F. Formal Testing (may include one or more of the following)

1. Speech ArticulationAn articulation disorder is a speech disorder were a person has difficulties with the way sounds are formed and strung together usually characterized by substituting one sound for another (wabbit for rabbit) omitting a sound (ca- for cat) or distorting a sound (shlip for sip).

2. Language

a. SyntaxA set of rules that govern how words are combined to form phrases and sentences. and MorphologyIs the study of word structure. It describes how words are formed. i.e. book becomes books (regular plural morpheme); run becomes running.
b. SemanticsThe meaning or the interpretation of a word, sentence, or other language form.
c. PragmaticsPragmatics describes the rules of social interaction such as turn taking and staying on topic, as well as other socially acceptable interaction rules.

3. FluencyA person has a fluency disorder when speech is disrupted by involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, syllables, words or phrases, and involuntary silent pauses or blocks in which the stutterer is unable to produce sounds.

G. Diagnosis Synthesis of Findings

H. Consultation and Recommendations

How do I schedule a Speech - Language evaluation?

By calling Clarity at 864 331-1400, a staff member will be able to guide you in scheduling an appointment.

A physician's referral is required for speech services. It may be necessary to contact your insurance company to determine if a speech/language evaluation is covered under your particular plan. Insurance does not always cover the examination. We also offer a United Way Fee Subsidy for those who qualify. Please call 864 331-1404 for information on qualification.