Speech Disorder Evaluation
A speech disorder evaluation is necessary before beginning any speech or articulation therapy program. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine if a disorder even exists, and if so, to create an individualized treatment plan based on the results.

Speech Disorder Evaluation Options
Extensive case history (this one is HUGE)
- Review of previous medical records
- Questionnaire for parents on development and concerns
- Interview with teachers and parents to gather relevant concerns
Oral mechanism examination
- Asses structure and function of articulators
Hearing Testing
- Provided by an audiologist
- Rules out hearing loss as a confounding factor
Evaluation of Production of Speech Sounds
There are many standardized tests that provide standards scores for speech sound production. Most tests follow a similar pattern outlined below.
- Evaluate how a child produces each phoneme (sound) at the syllable, word, and sentence level.
- It assesses production of each phoneme in the beginning, middle, and end of a word.
- Asses stimulability for errors. This will help with the goal writing process.
Language Sampling
- Elicit and record a language sample.
- Language samples provide assessment for errors at the connected speech level in a more natural setting.
- Language sampling does not provide a standard score, but it provides invaluable information about a child's true ability.
Formal Observations
- Observe a child's speech in various settings such as home, classroom, and/or recess.
Results
Results of a speech disorder evaluation may cause:
- Diagnosis of a speech disorder: articulation disorder, phonological processing disorder, dysarthria, and/or apraxia
- Standard scores which provide severity of disorder
- Characteristics of disorder across settings
- Individualized treatment plan: therapy goals and/or home strategies
- Referral to other professionals such as an audiologist or ENT if needed
Next Steps
If your child has a speech disorder, don't panic.
My recommended plan:
- Find a qualified speech-language pathologist that fits your family's needs or call us to schedule an appointment
- Practice today with strategies provided in your evaluation report
- Join our membership program for a step-by-step guide for each phoneme
- Buy our Articulation Materials and Guide eBook, with 400 pages of articulation materials, guides, and step-by-step protocols to get started on therapy at home today!!
- Review speech development to know what sounds are expected at what age.