Assessments are screening tools, not formal diagnoses; they are intended to provide an initial indication of potential concerns
6.28 Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.
6.29 Children and young people with ASD, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism, are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination, which can impact on how they relate to others.
Typical needs: language understanding, expressive language, social communication, autism.
Assessments:
- Identify specific language or social communication challenges
- Guide speech and language therapy referrals
- Inform strategies for classroom communication and peer interaction
Assessments help identify whether a child or young person’s communication challenges stem from language processing, social communication differences, or sensory factors that affect interaction.