Assessments
Assessment is the first step before starting speech therapy. The diagnosis of your child’s speech-language problems, their strength and weaknesses and future treatment plan will be determined only after a thorough assessment. It generally involves an interview about your concerns, history of child’s development and observation of the child in a structured or natural settings. Information from teachers, caregivers and family members needs to be obtained if necessary.
The duration of the assessment may range from approximately an hour to a few days. However, it may vary depending on the areas to be assessed and your child’s cooperativeness. A detailed assessment report will be provided with recommendations. A diagnostic assessment will cover one or a few of the following areas.
Ready to book your appointment for an initial assessment?
Please contact us at 0764221555 to make an appointment with a speech-language therapist at the nearest Words Speech Therapy branch.
FAQs
What does the assessment process involve?
our assessment is designed to provide a clear understanding of your child’s communication strengths and areas where they may need support. The process includes:
✅ Verbal feedback immediately after the assessment.
✅ A detailed written report outlining your child’s strengths, areas of need, and any barriers to learning.
✅ Personalised recommendations to support communication development at home, school, and in therapy.
The report is typically shared within two weeks after the assessment.
How can I prepare my child for the assessment?
To help your child feel comfortable and confident before their visit, you can:
✅Talk about the visit in a positive way – You can say something like, “You’re going to play and talk with a friendly team who want to learn more about what you like to do.” This helps set a relaxed and reassuring expectation.
✅ Bring a favourite item – A special toy, book, or comfort item can provide reassurance and make the experience more enjoyable.
✅ Keep the day relaxed – Try not to schedule other stressful activities on the same day, so your child arrives feeling calm and ready.
If you have any concerns about how your child may respond, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to provide additional guidance!
What will my child be doing during the assessment?
We understand that new environments can feel overwhelming, so we ensure the process is engaging and child-friendly:
✅ Play-based interaction – We start with free play to build rapport and help your child feel relaxed.
✅ Structured assessment tasks – These are introduced gradually in short bursts, with fun activities of their choice in between.
✅Observation of communication skills – This may include listening to stories, looking at pictures, following instructions, and engaging in conversation.
Do parents stay during the assessment?
Yes! At Words Speech Therapy, we believe that working together with families gives us the best understanding of a child’s communication. During the session, we may ask about your child’s communication at home and in other settings. Your insights help us make the assessment as meaningful and helpful as possible.
What if my child is shy or reluctant to engage?
We completely understand that some children take time to warm up. We are experienced in creating a relaxed and engaging environment. We follow your child’s lead, giving them time to settle in and using activities that spark their interest.
How do I book an assessment?
You can contact Words Speech Therapy to schedule an assessment by:
📞 Calling us at 0764221555
📧 Emailing info@speech.lk
📍 Visiting our centre
We look forward to supporting your child’s communication journey!