Speech and language assessment

Is there a difference between speech and language assessment?

What is a

Language Assessment

Language skills are formally assessed using either the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Fifth Edition (CELF-5) or the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Preschool – Third Edition (CELF-P3), depending on your child’s age. This assessment is completed by a certified speech pathologist and provides detailed information of how a child understands and uses language. A CELF is the most comprehensive language assessment for children.
A CELF assessment may be used to:
  • Support the diagnosis of autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Determine if a child has a language delay/disorder.
  • Identify specific areas where communication breakdowns are occurring.
  • Provide objective evidence to support funding applications or access to services.
  • Provide therapy goals and support intervention planning.

What is a

Speech assessment

Speech assessments are conducted to ensure that a child is clear in their pronunciation of words, difficulties with speech can cause difficulties being understood by others and may cause difficulties with reading and writing. Speech difficulties may indicate other underlying issues such as hearing problems or broader speech disorders.
A speech assessment listening to your child’s speech during conversation, as well as completing a structured, picture-based assessment to see how they say specific sounds in words.
An oral motor assessment is also completed to check how the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate are moving and working together. This helps determine whether your child has the physical skills needed to produce speech sounds clearly and accurately.
This information provides a clear picture of your child’s speech abilities and helps guide appropriate recommendations or support.

Speech assessment:

Evaluates how sounds are produced.

Language assessment:

Evaluates how language is understood and used.

Areas of speech assessed

Articulation, phonology, intelligibility, fluency, and voice

Areas of language assessed

Vocabulary, grammar (syntax & morphology), sentence structure, and discourse.

Speech difficulties

Sound substitutions (e.g. “tat” for “cat”), unclear speech, stuttering.

Language difficulties

Difficulty following instructions, forming sentences, or telling a story.

Rowville Victoria Moi Clinic Psychology

Take the next step toward confident communication and learning.

Book a comprehensive speech and language assessment with our experienced speech pathologists in Melbourne, Victoria, and take the first step toward improved communication.

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About speech and language assessments

What is the difference between a speech and language assessment?

A speech assessment focuses on how sounds are produced and how clearly a person speaks, including articulation, sound patterns, fluency, and voice. In contrast, a language assessment looks at how language is understood and used, such as vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and the ability to follow instructions or express ideas. While a speech assessment examines the clarity of spoken words, a language assessment evaluates the meaning and organisation of communication.

What to expect

Here's what you can expect from our Speech pathology service

We understand that every individual’s mental health journey is unique. That’s why our Psychology service takes a personalised approach to your therapy sessions.

01

Initial consultation

The length of your appointment will depend on the type of assessment required. Speech assessments generally take around 90 minutes, while language assessments may take up to 2 hours.

02

Speech & Language Report Details

The clinician will complete up to 2 hours of report writing for a language assessment and 1 hour for a speech assessment, with reports finalised within a 3‑month timeframe.

03

Ongoing Support & Growth

We offer a safe and supportive environment for speech pathology sessions, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Meaningful communication progress takes time, so therapy is often provided over the medium to longer term.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Speech pathology services at Moi Clinic are offered on a weekly or fortnightly basis and may be provided on a short‑, medium‑, or long‑term basis, depending on individual needs.
Services may be accessed through funding options such as the NDIS or private funding, including private health insurance coverage where applicable. The frequency and duration of therapy will be discussed on an ongoing basis with your speech pathologist to ensure the most appropriate support is provided.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required will depend on your unique needs and concerns. Some clients may require only a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment.

Is speech pathology covered by private health insurance?

Some private health insurance policies may provide coverage for speech pathology services. We recommend contacting your provider to check whether your policy covers these services.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is required to see a speech pathologist at Moi Clinic. You can book an appointment directly with one of our speech pathologists.

What should I expect during my first session?

Your first session will be a speech and/or language assessment. It usually takes 2 minutes for language assessment or 90 minutes for a speech assessment and includes a brief case history to understand communication needs and concerns.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions usually run for 50 minutes. If needed, a 2‑hour assessment session can also be scheduled.

Will my sessions be confidential?

Yes, your sessions will be completely confidential. Your Speech Pathologist will not share any information about your sessions with anyone without your explicit consent.

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get started on your journey

Our team at Moi Clinic is dedicated to providing personalised and supportive allied health service services to help you overcome the challenges affecting your communication challenges. Contact us today to learn more and get started.

 

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