Language evaluation involves assessment of receptive, expressive and pragmatic language skills through the use of standardized tests, observation, client or parent/caregiver report and informal diagnostic tasks. Language evaluation typically consists of a general battery of tests and tasks looking at a variety of skills, but can be targeted and focused based on noted areas of concern. Language evaluation may include assessment of all or some of the following skills:

• Vocabulary

• Grammar/syntax

• Language processing skills

• Language memory and recall

• Conceptual skills

• Cognitive-linguistic tasks

• Organization and formulation of language

• Understanding and use of social language

Speech evaluation is the assessment of speech sound production and a client's ability to sequence speech sounds accurately to form words and sentences. Speech evaluation is conducted through the use of standardized tests, observation, client or parent/caregiver report and informal diagnostic tasks. Speech evaluation may include assessment of all or some of the following skills:

• Sound production in all word positions at the word level

• Sound production in all word positions at the sentence level

• Phonological development

• Error patterns

• Developmental vs. delayed speech skills

• Intelligibility in known and unknown contexts

• Stimulability (the ability to produce sounds accurately with cueing)

• Oral-motor structure and functioning

Fluency evaluation examines a client's ability to produce fluent or smooth speech and determines whether the type and quantity of dysfluencies is typical or atypical. Fluency evaluation involves the use of standardized tests, observation, client or parent/caregiver report and informal diagnostic tasks. Fluency evaluation may include assessment of all or some of the following skills:

• Type of dysfluency

• Quantity of dysfluency

• Duration of dysfluent moments

• Accompanying physical behaviors

• Social-emotional components

• Typical vs. Atypical dysfluency