A speech and language evaluation is the measurement of an individual's communication skills. Speech-language pathologists assess individual's speech and language skills to determine if a communication disorder is present, to identify communication strengths and weaknesses, to make decisions about treatment, and to establish a baseline with which to measure progress. Assessment information is used to make professional diagnoses and conclusions, identify the need for treatment, determine the focus of treatment, determine the frequency and length of treatment, and identify the need for referral to other professionals.

The speech-language evaluation is conducted through informal and formal methods. The clinician begins by interviewing the parents and/or individual regarding health history, developmental history, family history, speech and language behaviors and school history. The speech-language pathologist may observe the individual in the home, school, or work environment to evaluate communication skills in a "real life" setting. Formal tests are used as a measure to compare the individual's performance to other individuals in the same age range. Formal tests are designed to gather a sample of the individual's skills in the following areas: speech articulation (pronunciation and clarity of speech), syntax (understanding and use of grammar), and semantics (understanding and use of vocabulary). Informal measures are used to obtain detailed information about an individual's performance in a specific area. The specificity of the results provided by the informal and formal testing allows speech-language pathologists to set appropriate goals for therapy.

Speech and language therapy involves a progression of activities to achieve specific goals. Depending on the nature of the communication disorder, therapy may focus on learning new behaviors, modifying behaviors that interfere with successful communication, relearning skills that were lost, and improving speech sound production. Speech therapy is based on a meticulously designed series of practice. The speech therapist selects communication skills that are taught through drills, practice, play interactions, and/or dialogues. The frequency and length of therapy sessions depends on the nature and severity of the individual's disorder.

Evaluations and therapeutic services are by appointment only.
Please contact Dana Lynn Miller at (240) 731-0747 or email her at dana@danalynnmiller.com for more information.