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Speech Assessments

Evidence-based assessments for meaningful insights

Speech pathology assessments are crucial processes designed to evaluate your communication and swallowing abilities. These assessments aim to identify any difficulties or disorders that may be impacting your ability to communicate effectively or safely swallow food and liquids.

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Language

Language assessments evaluate an individual's ability to understand and use language effectively. It focuses on both expressive language skills (how a person conveys their thoughts) and receptive language skills (how a person understands spoken or written language).

Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF)
Assesses various aspects of language including morphology, syntax, and pragmatics.

Renfrew Action Picture Test (RAPT)
Assesses language using action picture descriptions.

Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R)
Detects aphasia type and severity post-brain injury or stroke.

Assessment for Living with Aphasia (ALA)
Evaluates aphasia's impact on daily communication and well-being.

ASSESSMENTS

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Swallowing

Swallowing assessments are designed to evaluate an individual's ability to safely and effectively swallow various types of food and liquids. This assessment is crucial for identifying dysphagia, the term used to describe difficulties with eating and drinking.

Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS)
A dynamic X-ray procedure that visualises the swallow process. We refer on to a third-party to conduct VFSS.

Clinical Swallowing Assessment (CSA)
A non-instrumental oral-motor exam conducted through observation and clinical testing.

ASSESSMENTS

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Voice

Voice assessments focus on the overall quality, pitch, loudness, and resonance of the voice, as well as identifying any specific issues that may potentially impact on effective communication in various situations.

Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPEV)
Evaluates various perceptual attributes of voice quality.

Voice Handicap Index (VHI)
A self-reported measure that assesses the impact of voice problems on daily functioning.

ASSESSMENTS

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Speech Sound

A speech sound assessment evaluates how a person produces and organises speech sounds, identifying articulation issues, phonological speech sound disorders, and motor speech difficulties such as apraxia and dysarthria.

Nuffield Dyspraxia Program (NDP3)
Evaluates speech motor planning in developmental verbal dyspraxia.

ALPHA Test of Phonology
Assesses phonological processes to identify speech sound disorders across ages.

ASSESSMENTS

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Stuttering

A stuttering assessment is designed to evaluate a person's fluency patterns and identify any stuttering or cluttering behaviours. We can measure the severity and impact.

Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI)
Measures the severity of stuttering in terms of frequency, duration, and physical concomitants.

UTBAS-6
Identifies and measures negative thoughts and beliefs about stuttering to guide personalised therapy.

ASSESSMENTS

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Cognitive-Communication

In conjunction with other assessments, we may also examine the interplay between communication abilities and cognitive functions (such as memory, attention, processing speed, and insight).

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Brief screening tool used to detect mild cognitive impairment.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
A brief assessment tool commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment.

ASSESSMENTS

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Literacy

A literacy assessment measures reading and writing skills, word recognition, text comprehension, and language use. It highlights strengths and areas for support to guide personalised intervention and improve communication.

York Assessment of Reading for Comprehension (YARC)
Standardised tool used to evaluate reading comprehension skills in children through a range of age-appropriate texts and comprehension questions.

ASSESSMENTS

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Social Communication

A social communication assessment measures an individual's ability to use language in social settings, including verbal and nonverbal skills, interpreting cues, conversing, and adapting communication. It identifies challenges and guides therapy to enhance effective, confident interaction.

Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics (CAPS)
Evaluates an individual’s ability to use language appropriately in social contexts.

The Pragmatics Profile of Everyday Language Skills
Assesses everyday social communication skills through observation and caregiver report.

Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning (DASEL)
Measures social-emotional learning abilities using an interactive, supportive approach to identify potential for growth.

ASSESSMENTS

Evidence-based comprehensive assessments

We offer assessments across a range of areas - including articulation, language, stuttering, voice, social communication, and swallowing - each designed to provide a detailed understanding of an individual’s unique needs. By choosing Speechling, you are selecting a dedicated team of professionals committed to empowering you with the skills and confidence you need.

  • Assessments typically include a combination of direct observations, standardised tests, and informal measures. The speech pathologist may also gather information through interviews and questionnaires with clients, families, and other professionals.

  • The duration of an assessment can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Generally, it can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

    For individuals who are unable to participate in longer assessment sessions, we may conduct an assessment over multiple, 30-minute sessions.

  • While no specific preparation is needed, it can be helpful to bring any relevant documents, such as medical histories or previous assessments. If applicable, bring a list of questions or goals you would like to discuss.

  • If required we can provide a written report, detailing the results of the assessment and any recommendations for therapy. This report can also be shared with other professionals involved in your care.

  • In most cases, therapy can begin shortly after the assessment. But the timeline for starting therapy may vary based on the findings of the assessment and the availability of services.

  • The frequency of assessments varies depending on individual needs and progress. Regular reviews may be recommended to track improvements and adjust therapy goals as necessary.

FAQ

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