Speech and language assessment for children in Abu Dhabi
A comprehensive assessment of speech, language and communication at AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha
Do you feel that your child does not speak like children his age?
Is his speech unclear?
Does he not understand instructions easily?
Does he stutter or pause while speaking?
Does he rely on pointing or crying instead of verbal expression?
Or do you feel like there's something off about the way he communicates, but you don't know where to start?
Speech and language assessment is the first step to clearly understanding the child's condition. It does not focus only on the number of words the child says, but rather looks at the whole picture: comprehension, expression, clarity of speech, letter articulations, fluency, eye contact, play, attention, and the way the child uses language at home, school, and in daily situations.
At AHLI Specialists Medical Center in Al Shamkha - Abu Dhabi, we provide a specialized speech and language evaluation for children, which helps parents know whether the child needs speech therapy, follow-up, home guidance, a hearing examination, or additional evaluations depending on the case.
What is a speech and language assessment?
Speech and language assessment is a specialized examination performed by a speech and language therapist to determine the child's level in various communication skills.
Evaluation helps answer important questions such as:
- ? Is the child’s speech appropriate for his age?
- ? Does the child understand the instructions properly?
- ? Does he use enough words and sentences?
- ? Does he have a speech delay or language delay?
- ? Is the problem in the pronunciation of letters or the pronunciation of sounds?
- ? Does he have a stutter or stutter?
- ? Does he need speech therapy sessions?
- ? Does he need a hearing test?
- ? Does it need follow-up with other specialties?
- ? How can parents help him at home?
The assessment is not a scary test for the child, nor is it a final judgment. It is an organized way to understand strengths and weaknesses, then develop an appropriate plan that helps the child communicate better.
Why does a child need a speech and language evaluation?
Sometimes waiting is normal, but in other cases important time that could be invested in early intervention may be wasted. Therefore, assessment helps transform anxiety into a clear plan.
Many parents hear phrases such as:
“Don't worry, he'll talk on his own.”
“His father was late in speaking when he was young.”
“He understands everything, he just doesn't want to talk.”
“Boys are more late than girls.”
“Wait until he gets to school.”
Speech and language assessment is important because:
- ✓Explains whether the delay is normal or requires treatment
- ✓Accurately identifies the type of problem
- ✓Prevents confusion between speech delay, language delay, and speech disorders
- ✓It helps parents know the correct way to deal with the child
- ✓Reveals the need for hearing screening or additional evaluations
- ✓Sets treatment goals appropriate to the child's age
- ✓Helps the child before the difficulty affects confidence, behavior and school
The clearer the understanding, the easier the next steps will be for the parent and child.
When should you book a speech and language assessment for your child?
It is best to book an evaluation if you notice one or more of the following signs:
- ● The child does not speak or uses few words
- ● He does not form sentences appropriate for his age
- ● Does not understand simple instructions
- ● He does not respond well to his name
- ● Relies on pointing or crying instead of speaking
- ● His speech is not clear or the family needs to translate it to others
- ● Changes letters or deletes sounds from words
- ● Stutters or repeats sounds and words
- ● He stops suddenly while speaking
- ● He does not know how to ask for what he wants
- ● Does not answer age-appropriate questions
- ● Does not participate in dialogue or play with words
- ● He avoids talking to others
- ● He feels frustrated because people don't understand him
- ● Has difficulty in nursery or school because of speech or understanding
- ● Losing words or skills he used previously
Having just one sign does not necessarily mean there is a major problem, but it is reason enough to seek evaluation if the anxiety is persistent or if the child is not progressing over time.
What is the difference between a speech assessment and a language assessment?
Many parents use the word “speech evaluation” to describe all speech problems, but the evaluation may include more than one aspect:
Pronunciation assessment
It focuses on the clarity of speech and the articulation of letters - the way the child pronounces sounds, and whether he changes, deletes, or distorts some letters.
example: The child says “tatab” instead of “book,” or “siya” instead of “car,” or his words are not clear to others.
Language assessment
Focuses on comprehension and expression — a child's ability to understand words and instructions, and to use words and sentences to express.
example: The child does not understand “Give me the shoes,” or cannot say a simple sentence such as “I want water.”
Communication assessment
Focuses on how the child uses speech, language, sign, and interaction — eye contact, play, asking for help, taking turns.
Fluency assessment
Focuses on stuttering and stammering — repetitions, pauses, prolongations, strains, and the child's fear of speaking.
A comprehensive speech and language assessment helps identify the exact location of the difficulty, rather than just a general description such as “My child does not speak well.”
What does a speech and language assessment include?
At AHLI Specialists Medical Center, the child is evaluated in a manner appropriate to his age and ability to interact. Evaluation is often done through play, pictures, dialogue, observation, questions directed to the parents, and simple activities that do not make the child feel pressured.
Take a developmental history of the child
We ask the parents about the child’s development since birth, when did the babbling and first words begin, how does he communicate now, and are there any concerns about hearing, behavior, or attention.
Assessing linguistic comprehension
We observe whether the child understands words, instructions, questions, verbs, places, adjectives, and concepts appropriate for his age.
Evaluation of linguistic expression
We assess the number of words, type of words, length of sentences, word order, and the child's ability to ask, refuse, answer, describe, and recount events.
Assessing speech intelligibility
We listen to the child’s pronunciation of sounds, words, and sentences, and determine whether there is deletion, substitution, distortion, or difficulty in pronouncing letters.
Fluency assessment
If a child stutters or pauses while speaking, repetition, prolongation, pauses, and tension are evaluated, and the impact this has on his confidence and communication.
Social communication assessment
We observe how the child uses language in interaction: does he initiate communication? Does he ask? Does he participate in playing? Does he use the signal? Is he waiting his turn?
Assessing play and attention
We notice whether he plays in a way appropriate for his age, whether he imitates, whether he uses imaginative play, and whether he can concentrate and interact.
Assess the need for hearing screening
If there are signs such as unresponsiveness to sounds, recurrent ear infections, or a significant delay in speech, parents may be directed to have their hearing tested.
Determine the appropriate plan
After the evaluation, the results are explained to the parents and it is determined whether the child needs speech therapy sessions, a home plan, subsequent follow-up, or additional evaluations.
How is the speech and language assessment session conducted?
The session often begins by talking with the parents to understand the problem from their point of view. After that, the specialist begins to interact with the child in a comfortable way, using games, pictures, or activities appropriate for his age.
The specialist may not ask the child to “perform” directly at first, because some children are shy or refuse to speak in a new place. Therefore, the child is gradually observed until he feels safe.
During the session, the specialist may:
- ✓Playing with the child and observing the way he communicates
- ✓Show pictures or games to see which words he uses
- ✓Give simple instructions to know the level of understanding
- ✓Listen to the pronunciation of sounds
- ✓Monitor eye contact and attention
- ✓Asking the parents about the child’s behavior at home
- ✓Find out whether the problem always appears or only in certain situations
- ✓Evaluate the impact of the difficulty on the child's daily life
The goal is not to embarrass the child or put pressure on him, but rather to understand his true abilities in a calm and organized way.
What happens after the evaluation?
After the evaluation is completed, the results are explained to the parents in a clear way. We do not just say, “The child needs treatment,” but we explain:
- ✓What are the child's strengths?
- ✓What aspects need support?
- ✓Is the problem in speech, language, or communication?
- ✓Is there a slight or moderate delay, or does it require more follow-up?
- ✓Does the child need speech therapy sessions?
- ✓Approximately how often will he need sessions?
- ✓What are the first therapeutic goals?
- ✓What can parents do at home?
- ✓Do we need a hearing test or other evaluations?
This step is very important because parents need a clear understanding, not complicated terms. The goal is for parents to emerge from the evaluation knowing the next step.
Does the evaluation mean that the child will start treatment immediately?
Not always. After the evaluation, some children need regular therapy sessions, some need home guidance and follow-up, and some may need a hearing test or additional evaluation before the plan begins.
The decision depends on:
- ● The age of the child
- ● Level of understanding and expression
- ● Clarity of speech
- ● The severity of the delay or difficulty
- ● The impact of the problem on the home and school
- ● The child’s response during the assessment
- ● Parent and teacher feedback
- ● The presence of other factors such as hearing, attention, or behavior
Evaluation is the beginning of the road, not necessarily a commitment to a long plan. But it gives a clear picture that helps parents make the right decision.
What conditions does a speech and language assessment reveal?
Evaluation may help identify or suspect one or more of the following conditions:
Delayed speech in children
Few words or does not begin to speak at the level expected for his age.
Learn more →Language delay in children
Hard to understand, express or form sentences.
Learn more →Sound pronunciation disorders
Unclear speech due to deletion, replacement, or distortion of sounds.
Learn more →Stuttering and stammering
Repeating, pausing, prolonging, or tightening during speech.
Learn more →Difficulties in understanding and expressing
Does not understand instructions or cannot express his thoughts.
Social communication difficulties
Difficulty using language to interact, play, and initiate dialogue.
The need for a hearing test
Signs that hearing may affect the development of speech and language.
Need for multidisciplinary evaluation
The child may need evaluation from other specialties depending on what appears during the session.
Does a child need evaluation if he understands but does not speak?
Yes, it may need evaluation. Some children have good comprehension but poor expression, and this is often called difficulty with expressive language. A child may know what he wants but cannot use words or sentences to express it.
It is not enough to say “He understands everything” if the child cannot express his needs verbally.
- ? Does the child have enough words for his age?
- ? Can he imitate words?
- ? Does he use signaling to communicate?
- ? Does he try to express himself in other ways?
- ? Does he need a plan to stimulate speech?
- ? Is there another reason affecting the expression?
Does a child need evaluation if he speaks but his speech is not clear?
Yes, especially if his speech is not understood by people outside the family, or if he changes and deletes many sounds, or if he is affected at school because of unclear speech.
A child may have a good vocabulary and sentences, but needs treatment for letter morphology or sound pronunciation disorders. The evaluation identifies the sounds affected, the type of errors, and an appropriate plan to improve speech intelligibility.
Does a child need evaluation if he or she stutters?
Yes, if stuttering is persistent or affects the child's confidence or communication. Evaluating fluency helps determine the severity of stuttering, the situations in which it increases, and whether there are signs of distress, avoidance, or fear of speaking.
Some children just need parental guidance and follow-up, while others need speech therapy sessions to help them manage stuttering and speak more confidently.
The importance of early assessment
Early assessment helps detect difficulties before they further affect the child. When the problem is understood early, an appropriate plan can be put in place before its effects on behavior, confidence, learning, and social communication accumulate.
- ✓Increase words and sentences
- ✓Improve understanding of instructions
- ✓Improve speech clarity
- ✓Reducing frustration resulting from difficulty in expression
- ✓Improve participation in play, nursery and school
- ✓Strengthening self-confidence
- ✓Helping parents deal correctly
Waiting may be appropriate in some cases, but the best decision is made after a professional evaluation, not based on guesswork.
What do parents bring with them for the evaluation?
To benefit from the speech and language assessment session, it is recommended that parents bring or prepare the following information:
- ✓ Accurate age of the child
- ✓ When did the first speech or words begin?
- ✓ Examples of words or sentences he uses
- ✓ The things that worry parents most
- ✓ Does he understand instructions at home?
- ✓ Is there a history of ear infections or hearing loss?
- ✓ Is the child exposed to more than one language?
- ✓ Does he use screens for long periods?
- ✓ Does he go to nursery or school?
- ✓ Parameter notes if any
- ✓ Previous reports, if any
- ✓ Hearing test results, if any
- ✓ A short video of the child speaking or playing at home, if the child does not speak easily in the clinic
The role of parents after the evaluation
The role of parents does not end after the evaluation. The success of a speech and language plan depends a lot on implementing the instructions at home.
- ✓Talk to the child during the daily routine
- ✓Use short, clear sentences
- ✓Reduce repetitive questions
- ✓Give the child time to respond
- ✓Encourage trying instead of stressing about perfect speech
- ✓Reduce screen time
- ✓Daily interactive play
- ✓Read comic stories
- ✓Apply specific exercises according to the child's goal
- ✓Follow up sessions according to plan
- ✓Recording observations about the child’s development at home
Parents are an essential part of the plan, because the child needs to use the language in his daily life and not just within the session.
Speech and language assessment in Al Shamkha - Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for a speech and language evaluation for children in Abu Dhabi or a speech therapist in Al Shamkha, AHLI Specialists Medical Center provides a comprehensive evaluation that will help you understand your child’s condition and determine the appropriate step.
We help parents know whether the child needs speech delay treatment, language delay treatment, letter morphology treatment, stuttering treatment, or social communication support, with a clear and appropriate plan for each child.
Why choose AHLI Specialists Medical Center?
Comprehensive evaluation
For speech, language and communication.
Accurate understanding
For understanding, expression, and clarity of speech.
Suitable for children
Comfortable evaluation through play and interaction.
Clear explanation
Understandable results for parents.
Individual plan
Treatment when needed.
Home guidance
Practical steps at home.
Integrated routing
To examine hearing or other specialties.
Central location
Al Shamkha, Baniyas, Shakhbout and Abu Dhabi.
Related pages
When do I book a speech and language assessment?
Book an assessment if you have any concerns about your child's speech, comprehension, pronunciation, communication or fluency.
You do not need to know the diagnosis before booking. It is enough for you to notice that there is a difference between your child and children of his age, or that daily communication has become difficult. Evaluation is the step that shows the way.
Book a speech and language assessment for your child
If you're concerned about your child's speech delay, language delay, slurred speech, stuttering, or difficulty communicating, start with the obvious step: a comprehensive speech and language evaluation.
AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi
Al Qayed Street, Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi
Frequently asked questions about speech and language assessment
What is a speech and language assessment?
When does a child need a speech and language evaluation?
Is the evaluation painful or scary for the child?
Does the child have to be cooperative throughout the session?
Can a child be evaluated if he speaks more than one language?
Does the evaluation determine the number of treatment sessions?
Does the child need a hearing test before the evaluation?
Can home instructions be sufficient after the evaluation?
Does speech and language assessment reveal autism?
Should I wait until the child enters school?
Speech and language therapist
Book a speech and language assessment for your child
AHLI Specialists Medical Center - Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi — 02-448-7553