Comprehensive Speech - Language Evaluation

Comprehensive speech-language evaluations may be obtained through the Outpatient Speech Pathology Department at Arkansas Children's. A variety of areas in communication are assessed including Language Development, Articulation, Apraxia of Speech, Stuttering, Dysarthria, and Voice/Resonance.

At Arkansas Children's, we value parent involvement and strive to provide the most naturalistic setting for our outpatient evaluations. We encourage the parents to accompany the child to the examination room to help the child feel more at ease.

*If your child has had any previous speech/language evaluations, we request that you bring copies of these reports to the scheduled appointment.

During the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist will obtain background information including social, birth, medical and developmental history. Throughout the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist will observe the child’s communication interactions informally during play activities, as well as administer standardized assessments to determine the child’s current level of speech/language functioning. Standardized tools administered will be geared to your child’s age and areas of concern. At the completion of the assessment, the speech-language pathologist will share impressions from the evaluation and assist the family in determining the appropriate plan of action.

If speech-language therapy services are indicated, our team members will provide information to the family to assist in exploring available services in the family’s community.  A formal, comprehensive report will be mailed to the family, which will include any background information obtained, results of standardized testing, statements regarding informal observations, impressions of the child’s current level of communication functioning, and recommendations.

How to schedule an appointment for a speech-language evaluation

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (Little Rock)
Appointments: 501-364-4000 
Fax: 501-364-5440

Arkansas Children’s Northwest (Springdale)
Appointments: 479-725-6800
Scheduling fax: 479-725-6582
Referral fax: 479-725-6583

When making the appointment, please indicate your primary concern for the appointment. Some common examples of concerns may include: the child is not using enough words, unable to understand the child’s speech, not able to follow directions well, etc. Providing this type of information allows the speech pathologist to tailor the evaluation to meet your specific needs.

Note: Appointments for our Speech-Language Pathology Clinic are available to your child by physician referral. Talk with your child's physician and tell him/her you would like to be referred to Arkansas Children's. Have the doctor contact the Scheduling Center to make a referral at 501-364-4000 (Little Rock campus) or 479-725-6583 (Northwest AR campus).  Your physician will need to fax a signed order on the AR Children’s referred ancillary form. If your child does not have a regular physician, please call 501-364-4000 and we will be happy to recommend one in your area.