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Speech and Language Assessment

Clear, supportive speech & language assessments for children and adults. Understand what’s happening and what to do next.

If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language or communication, an assessment can provide clarity, understanding and guidance on the right supports.

At Evolve Ireland, our speech and language assessments are carried out in a structured, supportive and child-friendly way. We take the time to understand how your child communicates, learns and interacts, so we can provide clear and practical recommendations.

Who this assessment is for?

A speech and language assessment may be helpful if your child is experiencing:

Delays in speech or language development
Difficulty understanding or using language
Challenges expressing thoughts or needs
Difficulty following instructions
Limited vocabulary for their age
Frustration when communicating

This assessment is suitable for children at different stages of development, from early years through to school age.

Signs you may need a Speech & Language assessment

Parents often seek an assessment when they notice:

Speech that is unclear or difficult to understand
Delayed first words or slow language development
Difficulty putting words together into sentences
Trouble understanding questions or instructions
Difficulty interacting or communicating with others
Frustration, withdrawal or behaviour linked to communication difficulties

In school, this may present as

Difficulty keeping up with classroom instructions
Challenges with reading, writing or learning tasks
Reduced confidence when speaking or participating

If you have concerns about your child’s communication or language development, an assessment can help provide clarity and direction.

What the assessment includes

Our speech and language assessment is tailored to your child’s needs and stage of development.

It typically includes:

A detailed developmental and communication history
Assessment of expressive language (how your child communicates)
Assessment of receptive language (how your child understands language)
Structured language tasks where appropriate

Were helpful, we may also consider:

Speech clarity and sound development
Social communication skills
Attention and listening skills

This allows us to build a full picture of your child’s communication strengths and needs.

What happens during the assessment

Assessments are carried out in a calm, supportive and child-friendly environment.

You can expect:

Time to talk through your concerns
Play-based or structured activities depending on your child’s age
Opportunities for your child to communicate in a natural way

These activities are not tests that can be passed or failed. They are designed to understand how your child communicates, understands language and responds in different situations.

We work at your child’s pace and aim to make the experience as comfortable and positive as possible.

If you would like more detail about the overall process, you can read our guide What to Expect During an Speech & Language Assessment.

After the assessment

Following the assessment, you will receive:

A clear explanation of your child’s communication profile
A detailed written report
Recommendations tailored to your child’s needs

This may include guidance for:

Supporting language development at home
School or educational supports
Speech and language therapy recommendations
Practical strategies to support communication

Our aim is to help you understand your child’s needs and feel confident in the next steps.

How this assessment can help

A speech and language assessment can:

Identify speech delays or language difficulties
Clarify your child’s communication strengths and needs
Support early intervention and development
Inform school supports and planning
Provide guidance for ongoing support or therapy

Early understanding can make a significant difference in supporting communication and learning.

How long does a Speech & Language assessment take?

The length of the assessment can vary depending on your child’s age and needs. In general:

The assessment may take place over one or more sessions
Time is allowed for observation, interaction and structured tasks

We will explain the process clearly before the assessment begins.

Cost of an assessment

We believe it is important to be clear about costs.

If you have any questions about costs, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Not sure if this is the right assessment?

If you are unsure whether your child needs a speech and language assessment, we can help. We will talk through your concerns and guide you towards the most appropriate next step.