The Day Before: What’s Really Going Through Your Mind
Your kid’s been called for a speech evaluation. And honestly? You’re probably feeling a mix of relief and worry right now. Relief because someone’s finally going to look at what you’ve been noticing. Worry because… well, you don’t know what’s coming next.
Here’s the thing — that nervous feeling is completely normal. Most parents walk into their first evaluation with zero idea what to expect. They picture clinical rooms, intimidating tests, and their child freezing up. But the reality? It’s actually pretty different from what you’re imagining.
If you’re looking for Speech Therapy Services in Shoreview MN, understanding the evaluation process can take a huge weight off your shoulders. So let’s walk through exactly what happens, step by step.
What Speech Therapists Actually Assess
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) isn’t just listening to how your child pronounces words. They’re looking at the whole picture. And it’s way more comprehensive than most parents realize.
Articulation and Sound Production
This is what most people think of first. Can your child make specific sounds correctly? Are they substituting one sound for another? The therapist will have your child name pictures, repeat words, and chat naturally to hear how different sounds come out.
Language Comprehension
Understanding words is just as important as saying them. The SLP will check if your child follows directions, understands questions, and grasps basic concepts like colors, sizes, and positions. Sometimes kids speak fine but struggle to process what they hear.
Expressive Language Skills
How does your child put thoughts into words? Do they use complete sentences? Can they tell a simple story? The therapist pays attention to vocabulary, grammar, and how your child organizes their ideas when talking.
Oral Motor Function
This part sounds technical, but it’s really just checking how the mouth moves. The SLP might ask your child to stick out their tongue, puff their cheeks, or make silly faces. They’re looking at muscle strength and coordination — the physical stuff that affects speech.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, these assessments help identify the root cause of any communication challenges, which guides the entire treatment approach.
The Evaluation Day: What Actually Happens
Most evaluations run about 45 minutes to an hour. But don’t worry — your child won’t be sitting at a desk the whole time.
It Starts With Conversation
The therapist usually spends the first few minutes just chatting with your child. Playing a quick game. Looking at some toys. This isn’t wasting time — they’re building rapport so your kid feels comfortable enough to actually talk.
Standardized Testing (It’s Not Scary)
Yes, there are formal tests. But they look like games to kids. Picture books, puzzles, pointing activities. Your child probably won’t even realize they’re being evaluated. The therapist makes it feel like playtime because stressed kids don’t show their true abilities.
Natural Observation
While playing and talking, the SLP is watching everything. How your child initiates conversation. Whether they make eye contact. If they get frustrated trying to communicate. These observations tell just as much as any formal test.
Professionals like Kids Connect recommend that parents stay in the room during evaluations for younger children. Your presence helps them feel secure, and you’ll see exactly what the therapist is doing.
Parent Interview
At some point, the therapist will ask you questions too. When did your child start talking? Any ear infections? Family history of speech issues? Your observations matter because you know your child better than anyone.
How to Prepare Your Child (Without Overthinking It)
Kids pick up on anxiety. So if you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. The best preparation is keeping things low-key.
What to Say
Keep it simple: “We’re going to meet someone who wants to play some games with you and hear you talk.” Don’t mention tests, doctors, or anything that sounds medical. Speech Therapy in Shoreview MN facilities are designed to feel welcoming to kids, not clinical.
What to Bring
- Any previous evaluation reports or medical records
- A list of words your child uses (if vocabulary is limited)
- Notes about specific concerns you’ve noticed
- A comfort item if your child needs one
- Snacks for afterward — evaluations can be tiring
What NOT to Do
Don’t coach your child before the appointment. Don’t practice sounds or drill them on words. The therapist needs to see typical behavior, not a performance. If your kid is having an off day, that’s actually useful information too.
Understanding the Results
After the evaluation, you’ll get a detailed report. But most therapists also explain results right away in plain language. Here’s what you might hear:
If Everything Looks Age-Appropriate
Sometimes kids are just developing at their own pace. The therapist might recommend checking back in six months or giving you home activities to support natural development. Not every evaluation leads to therapy.
If Therapy Is Recommended
You’ll learn exactly which areas need work and why. The therapist will suggest how often your child should attend sessions and what goals they’d focus on first. Speech Therapy Services in Shoreview MN typically offer flexible scheduling to work around school and family routines.
If Further Evaluation Is Needed
Sometimes speech issues connect to hearing problems, developmental delays, or other factors. The SLP might refer you to an audiologist or pediatric specialist before starting therapy. This isn’t bad news — it just means they want the complete picture.
What Happens Next
If your child does need Speech Therapy in Shoreview MN, the first therapy session usually happens within a week or two of the evaluation. The therapist will have a specific plan based on what they found.
Therapy sessions for kids are actually pretty fun. Lots of games, songs, and activities. Most children look forward to going back. And you’ll get homework too — simple things to practice at home between sessions.
For helpful resources on supporting your child’s development, plenty of guides exist for parents navigating this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a speech evaluation take?
Most evaluations run 45 minutes to an hour, though complex cases might take longer. Younger kids often have shorter sessions because their attention spans are limited. The therapist adjusts based on your child’s needs.
Will my child be stressed during the evaluation?
Honestly? Most kids have fun. Speech therapists are trained to work with children, and they use games and toys throughout the process. If your child seems overwhelmed, the therapist will slow down or take breaks.
What if my child won’t talk during the evaluation?
It happens, and therapists expect it. They have strategies for shy or anxious kids. Even observation of how your child plays and responds to questions provides valuable information. Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly.
How soon will I get the evaluation results?
Most therapists discuss preliminary findings right after the session. A written report typically comes within one to two weeks. If you have questions before then, calling the office is totally fine.
Does insurance cover speech evaluations?
Many insurance plans cover evaluations and therapy, but coverage varies widely. Call your insurance company before the appointment to understand your benefits. Some clinics also offer payment plans or sliding scale fees.
Walking into a speech evaluation feels big. But now you know exactly what’s coming. Your child will play games, answer questions, and show the therapist what they can do. And you’ll finally have answers — along with a clear path forward, whatever that looks like.
