How are speech impairments diagnosed?
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Children and adults who are suspected of having speech impairments will have their speech evaluated by a speech-language pathologist. Sometimes an exam that includes speech and language tests and a discussion of medical history with this expert is enough to diagnose a condition, while other times further testing into the causes of speech impairment is necessary. For instance, hearing tests may be performed to see if hearing loss is the cause of the impairment.
Children and adults who are suspected of having speech impairments will have their speech evaluated by a speech-language pathologist. Sometimes an exam that includes speech and language tests and a discussion of medical history with this expert is... More -
Amy Reno answered:The parents, the pediatrician and/or your child's teacher can refer your child for an evaluation with a Speech Language Pathologist. The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will see your child for a speech and language evaluation. This "evaluation" usually takes approximately 1.5-2 hours and is very specific to the concerns you have regarding your child's speech and/or language. The SLP will do a series of age appropriate tests/games/activities to find the exact abilities of your child. The SLP will also look closely at your child's mouth, including the lips, cheeks, jaw and tongue. Typically the SLP will go over some of the findings with the parents immediately following the evaluation. The SLP will also send a thorough report to you within the next couple of weeks. Most SLP's will give parents some activities/homework to begin working on immediately to improve their child's speech and/or language abilities.
The parents, the pediatrician and/or your child's teacher can refer your child for an evaluation with a Speech Language Pathologist. The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will see your child for a speech and language... More -
Rebecca Jarzynski answered:Speech impairments are usually diagnosed by a speech-language therapist. People are often referred to a speech and language therapist by their doctor, who will help them find a speech therapist that will work with them. Speech therapists work in a variety of settings, such as, but not limited to: early intervention programs (for toddlers), schools (for school age children), clinics (for those with a medical diagnosis), and hospitals (for those who have had strokes or other illness/injury).Speech impairments are usually diagnosed by a speech-language therapist. People are often referred to a speech and language therapist by their doctor, who will help them find a speech therapist that will work with them. Speech therapists... More -
Aphasia: A speech pathologist will evaluate the patient's ability to understand and express verbal and written language. The speech pathologist will assess the patient's ability to participate in conversations, comprehend words, use words correctly, respond to questions about things the patient read and heard, tell a story, explain a figurative phrase, or write down sentences.
Articulation disorders: Articulation disorders are common among young children. However, patients who are older than five years of age and have symptoms of the condition should visit their doctors. A speech pathologist will evaluate the patient for characteristic symptoms of articulation disorders.
Dysarthria: Dysarthria can be diagnosed by a physician or a speech-language pathologist based on an evaluation of the patient's symptoms. A speech-language pathologist may ask the patient to perform tasks, such as blowing out a candle or sticking out the tongue, to determine the strength, motion, and accuracy of the muscles involved in speech. The speech-language pathologist may also ask the patient to sing or repeat words or sentences in order to detect lost vowel sounds and slurred or slowed speech.
Dysfluency disorders: It is considered normal for young children to speak dysfluently from time to time. However, if symptoms worsen over time, or the individual avoids saying particular words, or makes odd facial or body movements (such as twitching of the eyes or nose) during dysfluent speech, a healthcare provider should be consulted. If a dysfluent disorder is suspected, a speech-language pathologist will make a diagnosis based on an evaluation of the patient's symptoms.
Mutism: Mutism can be diagnosed after a detailed medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will observe the patient's symptoms. If the patient is able to understand language, but does not talk in particular settings, selective mutism is diagnosed.
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Aphasia: A speech pathologist will evaluate the patient's ability to understand and express verbal and written language. The speech pathologist will assess the patient's ability to participate in conversations, comprehend words, use words... More
