Speech & Language Assessments for Children | Speak Wonders
What is a speech and language assessment?
A speech and language assessment is a structured, diagnostic session that looks at how your child understands language, uses words, speaks clearly, and communicates in everyday situations. It helps us identify delays, strengths, and areas where targeted therapy can make the biggest difference.
A thorough speech and language assessment is the first step to understanding your child’s communication strengths and needs. At Speak Wonders in Westmead, we use personalised, child‑friendly assessments to guide clear, practical therapy plans for school and home.
Why an assessment matters
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Pinpoints what your child can do well and where they need support.
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Guides clear, individualised therapy goals and next steps.
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Helps families and schoolsunderstand how to support communication at home and in the classroom.
Who benefits from a speech assessment?
A speech and language assessment can help children who:
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Are late talkers or have small vocabularies for their age.
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Struggle to follow instructions or answer questions.
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Speak unclearly or have difficulty with speech sounds.
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Stutter, repeat words, or avoid talking.
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Have social‑communication differences, autism, ADHD, or other learning needs.
If you are unsure whether your child needs an assessment, we are happy to help you decide.
What happens in an assessment at Speak Wonders?
Brief discussion with you about your child’s development, concerns, and goals.
Child‑friendly activities such as play‑based observation, simple games, and short‑form tasks.
Standardised checks that look at speech sounds, language, fluency, and any social‑communication differences.
Chat about results and what they mean for your child.
Clear next steps, including whether therapy is recommended and how often it’s likely to be needed.
How long does an assessment take?
Most speech and language assessments at Speak Wonders take 30–60 minutes, depending on your child’s age and needs. We keep it gentle and engaging so your child feels calm and confident through the session.
How to prepare for your child’s assessment
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Provide any prior previous reports or notes from doctors, teachers, or other therapists.
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Have your child wear glasses or hearing aids if they use them.
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Bring a drink and a small snack; we aim to keep the session as relaxed as possible.
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If you have specific worries (e.g., stuttering, sound errors, or social skills), mention them in advance so we can allow time for those areas.
Reports and next steps
After the assessment, most families receive a clear summary of the findings and next steps. Where appropriate, we can also provide recommendations for school, NDIS goals, or follow‑up support. If therapy is recommended, we work with you to design a personalised plan that fits your family’s routines and priorities.
