What to Expect During a Bilingual Articulation Assessment at a Speech Pathology Clinic

As a parent or caregiver, you might have questions or feel a little unsure about what happens during a bilingual articulation assessment at a speech pathology clinic. Whether you are concerned about your child’s speech development or just want to make sure they’re on the right track, this blog will walk you through the process and help you know what to expect.

1. Understanding Bilingual Articulation Assessment

An articulation assessment is a process used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to evaluate how well a child pronounces sounds in speech. When the child is bilingual, it’s essential to assess their speech in both languages to get an accurate picture of their skills. This type of assessment helps identify whether any speech difficulties are due to typical language development or if there might be a speech sound disorder. If you are not being seen by a bilingual clinician, the clinic will provide an in-house interpreter to assist with the process. 

2. Before the Assessment: Preparing Your Child

Before the assessment, it can help if you prepare your child by explaining in simple terms what will happen. You can say something like, "We're going to meet with someone who will listen to how you speak in both Spanish and English. It will help them understand how your words sound." The goal is to make the process feel comfortable and not intimidating for your child.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Provide Language Information: If your child uses both languages at home, at school, or in different settings, let the clinician know which language they are exposed to the most and how often they use each one.
• Bring Relevant Documents: If you have any records from your child’s school or doctor, such as previous speech evaluations, be sure to bring those along. This can give the clinician more insight into your child’s speech and language history.

3. What Happens During the Assessment?

During a bilingual articulation assessment, the SLP will assess your child’s speech in both languages, considering any differences in sounds, patterns, and rules of each language. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the session:

• Initial Conversation: The session will usually start with a brief conversation between you, your child, and the clinician. This helps the SLP gather information about your child's speech history and current concerns.
• Speech Sampling: The SLP will ask your child to speak, play, or describe pictures in both languages to collect a natural sample of their speech. Your child may be asked to repeat words or sentences, or they may be shown pictures and asked to name things. The SLP will listen for how well they are pronouncing sounds in each language.
• Sound Production: The clinician will listen closely to how your child pronounces different sounds, both in the language they are more familiar with and the other language. They will note any patterns of difficulty that could indicate a speech sound disorder. For example, the SLP might notice if your child uses a "d" sound instead of a "th" sound in English, or has difficulty producing certain consonants in Spanish.
• Contextual Assessment: In addition to analyzing individual sounds, the clinician will assess how your child uses speech sounds in different contexts (like at home, with peers, or in the classroom). This helps them see if there’s a language difference or if your child has consistent difficulty with speech in both languages.

4. After the Assessment: What Happens Next?

Once the assessment is complete, the SLP will share their findings with you. Here’s what typically happens:

• Feedback Session: The clinician will provide feedback on whether your child’s speech development is typical for their age, considering their bilingualism. If any areas of concern were identified, they will explain whether it’s a normal part of bilingual development or if it might indicate a speech sound disorder.
• Recommendations: Based on the results, the SLP will then recommend next steps. If there is a speech sound disorder, they will discuss possible treatment options, which might include speech therapy. If everything is progressing as expected, they might provide tips and strategies to support continued development.
• Treatment Plan (if necessary): If a disorder is diagnosed after the report has been written, the SLP will outline a treatment plan. This might involve individual speech therapy sessions to target specific sound errors or help your child strengthen their language skills in both languages.

5. How to Support Your Child at Home

Regardless of the results, there are several things you can do to support your child’s speech development at home:

• Encourage Practice in Both Languages: Provide opportunities for your child to use both languages in everyday situations, such as reading books, singing songs, or engaging in conversations.
• Be Patient: It’s important to remember that bilingual children might take a little longer to master the sounds of both languages. Encourage your child without putting pressure on them to be perfect.
• Reinforce Positive Communication: Celebrate your child’s progress and efforts in both languages. Positive reinforcement helps keep them motivated.

Final Thoughts

A bilingual articulation assessment is an important tool for understanding how your child is developing their speech in both languages. With the help of a skilled SLP, you will gain valuable insights into your child’s speech development and receive guidance on how to support their growth.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and bilingualism is a unique journey. If you have any questions or concerns before or after the assessment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. With the right support, your child will continue to thrive in both language.