Do you want to better understand the root of your child’s learning challenges? Does your child have weaknesses in spelling, reading comprehension, and/or writing which impact his or her learning? Are you looking for a clearer diagnostic picture to help guide IEP development?
Our comprehensive language evaluations focus on vocabulary development, syntax (grammar), narrative language skills, auditory processing and memory, and their impact on the child’s reading and writing. Included in the evaluation is a review of the child’s medical and educational history and a parent and child interview. Parents will receive a thorough report with recommendations that highlight appropriate educational planning and accommodations. Parents will be provided with an opportunity to review the evaluation report with the clinician.
There are many reasons why a family might seek an independent or private evaluation in speech and language including:
- To assess their child’s current level of performance
- To understand how component language skills impact the child’s learning
- To diagnose or rule out a language-based learning disability, social communication disorder, or other speech and language disorders
- To determine if additional services are recommended or if the child is a candidate for an out-of-district placement
- To determine if a child requires a specific program, curriculum, or technique
- To better understand their own child’s strengths and weaknesses and to strengthen the parents’ role in the decision making process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Private Comprehensive Speech and Language Evaluation?
A private speech and language evaluation is conducted by a speech language pathologist who is not connected to your child’s school. As the parent, you help to guide the type of testing by providing your concerns directly to the clinician.
Our comprehensive language evaluations focus on vocabulary development, syntax (grammar), narrative language skills, auditory processing and memory, and their impact on the child’s reading and writing. If necessary, we also assess speech sound development or pragmatic language. Included in the evaluation is a review of the child’s medical and educational history and a parent and child interview. Parents will receive a thorough report with recommendations that highlight appropriate educational planning and accommodations. Parents will be provided with an opportunity to review the evaluation report with the clinician.
What is an Independent Educational Evaluation?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is a type of private evaluation that becomes part of a child’s school record. As a parent, you always have a right to pay for a Private or Independent Educational Evaluation and share it with the school. In some cases, the school will agree to pay for an IEE. For example, districts sometimes pay for IEEs when their staff lacks the expertise on a particular disorder and require additional input from a specialist.
What you can expect from our private speech and language evaluations…
Prior to Testing:
- Detailed parent interview to help understand your areas of concerns
- We will request current IEP (if applicable), previous testing, and the most recent report card
During Testing:
- The clinician works to build a rapport with the child prior to the beginning of testing
- Testing is usually broken up into at least two sessions, with frequent breaks, to get an accurate representation of the child’s skills
- You can also choose to add an observation of your child’s educational programming to the assessment process
After Testing:
- You will receive a full written report. The report details the results of testing and provides specific, individualized recommendations
- A parent consult is scheduled with the clinician. In this meeting, we will review the report and answer any questions you may have
