19/06/2026
People sometimes imagine that a speech and language assessment involves arriving with a suitcase full of tests and working through them from start to finish.
Sometimes that's exactly what happens.
But sometimes the most important professional decision is knowing when to put the assessment materials away.
As Speech and Language Therapists, we don't just learn how to administer assessments.
We learn how to observe, analyse, build rapport, adapt, and gather meaningful information in a way that works for the individual.
I always arrive with a plan.
But communication doesn't happen in a vacuum.
If a child is overwhelmed, anxious or unsure of me, formal assessment may not give an accurate picture of their skills.
The same is true for adults adjusting to stroke, brain injury, long Covid, dementia, fatigue, anxiety, or other life-changing circumstances.
Connection comes first.
That might mean getting down on the floor and playing.
It might mean sitting with a cup of tea and having a conversation.
Because when people feel safe, comfortable and understood, communication starts to emerge.
And often, while it looks like we're "just playing" or "just chatting", I'm still assessing.
I'm listening to speech, observing language, noticing attention, memory, interaction and communication skills, and learning how communication impacts everyday life.
For me, building rapport isn't separate from the assessment process.
It is part of the assessment process.
Sometimes the most valuable thing I can do in a first session isn't complete every assessment task I planned.
It's making sure the person is comfortable enough to communicate with me in the first place.
