Your pediatrician just recommended a speech, language, or myofunctional evaluation, and you might be wondering what that means. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. This guide will walk you through the evaluation process so you and your child can feel prepared and confident for the appointment.
Speech Evaluation
A speech evaluation assesses speech sound development and clarity. This type of evaluation helps identify any omitted, distorted or substituted sounds and guides the next steps for speech sound development. The therapist may:
Use a picture book and ask the child to name objects to evaluate their pronunciation
Observe your child’s speech during play to assess overall intelligibility (how well they are understood by an unfamiliar listener)
Examine your child’s oral structure to check for any physical differences affecting speech sound production
Language Evaluation
A language evaluation looks at how your child understands and uses language. This evaluation will help determine if your child is meeting age-appropriate language expectations and if support is needed. The therapist will:
Use a picture book and ask the child to name objects, finish sentences, etc to evaluate their expressive language (how they communicate), receptive language (how they understand) and/or pragmatic language (social communication skills.
Use play-based activities to informally assess communication skills and developmental milestones
Myofunctional Evaluation
A myofunctional evaluation focuses on the muscles and function of the mouth, tongue, and face. This evaluation is important for children with a tongue thrust, mouth breathing and/or difficulty with oral functions. The therapist will:
Use tools and food to assess chewing, swallowing and oral posture
Observe how the tongue and lips move with exercises like puckering and lifting the tongue
Identify any orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD’s) that may impact speech, breathing or swallowing.
This evaluation is important for children with tongue thrust, mouth breathing, or difficulty with oral functions.
Final Thoughts
Each evaluation is designed to support your child’s unique needs in a comfortable and engaging way. Knowing what to expect can make the process easier for both you and your child. If you would like a video tour of our office, click on the link provided below and scroll to the bottom of the page!
Building Blocks Therapy Services
