The Department of Speech-Language Pathology offers evaluations for:

• Receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language
• Speech production
• Stuttering
• Voice
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Feeding and swallowing

How it works

The speech-language pathologist (SLP) performs a comprehensive, individualized evaluation. Based on the results, the SLP develops a therapy plan. This plan can be used to pursue therapy through a county program, in school, or with a provider close to the family’s home. The SLP may also recommend short-term outpatient therapy at CHOP. Outpatient therapy is not recommended for all patients.

Where we work

You may have a speech-language evaluation at any of the locations where our department offers care. Therapy services do not have to occur at the same site as your evaluation. Teletherapy is currently an option for patients who live in New Jersey.

Non-English Speaking

An interpreter will participate when patients and/or caregivers speak a language other than English. Interpreters also participate when patients and/or families speak multiple languages. This is an essential part of our program. It allows us to effectively assess the child’s language skills across all of their languages. Please tell us if your child speaks or hears any languages other than English, even if you or they are fluent in English.

Insurance

Please contact your insurance provider(s) to verify your benefits/coverage. Speech-language evaluations and/or therapy may not be a covered benefit. Learn more about billing and insurance.

Schedule an outpatient speech-language or stuttering evaluation

To schedule a speech-language or stuttering evaluation, call 800-551-5480. Please specify the type of evaluation your child needs. You will receive a questionnaire in your MyCHOP account. You must fill out the questionnaire before the appointment.

Schedule a feeding or swallowing evaluation

If you have concerns about feeding or swallowing, contact the CHOP Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center for a team evaluation.

Schedule a speech-language evaluation for a child with hearing loss

If your child has hearing loss, call 800-551-5480 to schedule a speech-language-listening evaluation (press 1, and then 2). If your child uses cochlear implants, please schedule your child’s speech-language evaluation through the Cochlear Implant Program. Please call 800-551-5480 (press 1, and then 1 again).

Schedule an outpatient voice evaluation

Call 800-551-5480 to schedule a voice evaluation. Before this evaluation, your child must see an otolaryngologist (ENT) to complete nasopharyngeal laryngoscopy (NPL).

Schedule an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) evaluation

Before seeking an AAC evaluation at CHOP, we encourage patients to pursue an evaluation with an AAC or Assistive Technology specialist through their county or school district. This may be called the SETT (Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools) Framework.

If additional support is needed, consider scheduling an AAC evaluation at CHOP. Your child must have a recent speech-language evaluation (within 6 months) before the AAC evaluation. The results of this assessment will provide valuable information in preparing for your child’s AAC evaluation. This does not have to occur at CHOP. Follow the directions above if you need to schedule a speech-language evaluation at CHOP.

If your child has had a recent speech-language evaluation outside of CHOP, call 800-551-5480 and follow the prompts to schedule an AAC evaluation. You must submit the speech-language evaluation report and an Initial Evaluation Intake. Please submit any other relevant records, including your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)/Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

More information

If you have any questions, please call our schedulers at 800-551-5480.