• Speech and language refer to the communication skills used by individuals to express thoughts, feelings and ideas. The ability to communicate is key to children's emotional well-being, social development, and academic success.

  • Speech and language skills allow children to clearly express their feelings and thoughts. For children struggling with their speech and language, the impact can be huge.

    All children develop communication skills at different rates, but if you are worried about your child's speech and language development, an evaluation may be a good first step.

  • The importance of speech and language evaluation

    Speech and language evaluation is important for children who may be struggling, as it helps identify any communication difficulties early on, which is essential for academic learning and overall development. Children who have difficulty with speech and language may struggle to understand and express themselves, which can negatively impact their ability to learn and participate in classroom activities. This, in turn, can lead to self-esteem issues. Early intervention, such as speech therapy, can improve children's communication and outcomes.

     

    During our evaluation, we will assess:

    Speech (how sounds are produced)

    Language (following directions, processing information, naming vocabulary, answering questions, etc.)

    Play and social interactions, as well as age-appropriate reading and writing abilities.

    Start Right includes hearing and vision screening tests in the speech and language evaluation, as both hearing and vision can impact language acquisition.