Parent guide · Assessment
Your child's first speech assessment: a checklist
A first speech assessment goes more smoothly when you know what to bring and what happens on the day. I am Shine, a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist based in Arncliffe, and this is the checklist I would give any family before we start.
- No referral needed
- Free 15-minute discovery call
- Home, school or telehealth
Before you book
You do not need a referral from a doctor to see me. If you are not sure whether your child needs a full formal assessment or something lighter, start with a free 15-minute discovery call. I will tell you honestly which suits your situation before you commit to anything.
- Note the reason for the assessment: a teacher, GP or paediatrician suggested it, your child is starting school, or you simply want to know whether their talking is on track
- If you are using NDIS funding, check how your plan is managed. I work with self-managed and plan-managed participants. My guide to using your NDIS plan for speech therapy explains the steps
- If you are using Medicare, read how Medicare speech therapy works before you book, and bring what your GP gives you
- Decide where the assessment suits you best: at home, at your child's school or preschool, or by telehealth
What to bring
Gather these before the day. Nothing on the list is compulsory, but each one helps me understand your child faster.
- Letters or reports from your GP, paediatrician, school, preschool or daycare
- Any earlier speech pathology, hearing or other therapy reports
- Your NDIS plan goals, if you are using NDIS funding
- A few notes in your own words: when you first noticed something, and examples of words, sounds or sentences your child uses
- The languages your child hears and speaks at home. I run sessions in English, Mandarin or both
- Glasses or hearing aids, if your child uses them
What happens on the day
Every assessment is different, because the reason you booked changes what I do. These parts are always there:
- Standardised tests. Tested tools that compare your child's results with other children the same age. I choose the ones that fit the reason you booked
- Play and conversation. I watch how your child actually uses language, usually while we play. Tests show where a child sits against other children; play shows how they talk day to day
- A conversation with you. You know your child's communication better than any test, so a parent or carer interview is part of every assessment for a child
Children often talk differently with someone new. That is expected and it is fine if your child is shy. I prefer to assess at home or at school where I can, because children perform differently in a place they know.
What you receive afterwards
- Coaching before you leave. I end every assessment with a coaching session for parents: practical things to do at home, based on what I found
- A written report. Results, what they mean in plain English, and practical recommendations that your GP, school or NDIS planner can act on
- A plan, if therapy is needed. We agree on goals, how often we meet and where
Getting your child ready
- Tell your child they will play some games and talk with Shine
- Pick a time of day when your child is usually fed, rested and at their best
- Keep it relaxed. There is nothing to study and no way to fail
Ready to start?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call, or read more about speech therapy assessments in Sydney and speech therapy for children.
Related services
Back to all speech pathology services in Sydney.
Ready to get started?
No referral needed. Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will work out whether an assessment makes sense.
