What Is a Speech Screening — And Why It Matters

Not sure if your child needs speech therapy? A speech screening is the perfect first step. It’s quick, affordable, and gives you clear insight before committing to a full speech-language evaluation.

What Is a Speech Screening?

A speech screening is a short, informal check by a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). In just 15–30 minutes, we take a snapshot of your child’s speech and language skills — like pronunciation, vocabulary, and how they put sentences together.

It’s not a diagnosis but a guide for what to do next.

Why Start With a Screening?

  • Quick & Easy – No pressure, no long forms, just simple activities your child will enjoy.

  • Cost-Effective – A smart step before investing in a full evaluation, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

  • Clear Next Steps – Whether it’s “all good,” “let’s keep an eye on this,” or “time for an evaluation,” you’ll leave with a plan.

  • Early Detection Works – Research shows that children identified early often make faster progress.

When to Consider a Speech Screening?

A screening is helpful if your child:

  • Struggles to pronounce certain sounds

  • Has trouble following directions

  • Uses fewer words than peers

  • Gets frustrated when trying to communicate

  • Has concerns raised by a teacher or doctor

How We Do It at Charm City Speech

At Charm City Speech, our screenings are fun, stress-free, and done in a single visit. You’ll get same-day feedback and clear guidance on what to do next — whether that’s monitoring or moving forward with a full evaluation.

A screening is a simple way to get answers and peace of mind. Ready to schedule one? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child thrive.

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