The objective of the speech-language diagnostic department is to evaluate individuals of every age group who exhibit various speech-language and swallowing concerns using highly relevant and standardised national and international assessment/ evaluation tools.
- Screening and diagnostic tests and checklist to obtain comprehensive information about the disorder/condition -detailed aphasia, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, dysarthria and cognitive-linguistic testing, to mention a few; acoustic evaluation of speech using software programs.
- Use of tools that are standardised and/or criterion-referenced, to compare individuals to their peers.
- Examination of medical records to find pertinent medical, pharmacological, and health related information.
- Identification of specific concerns, interviewing individuals and/or family to acquire case histories.
- Accurately chosen assessment procedures that are culturally and linguistically suitable
- Observation of behaviour to ascertain a persons abilities in a naturalistic predicament or context.
- Identification of problems of swallowing and communication;
- Evaluation of voice, resonance, velopharyngeal function, and swallowing using appropriate instrumentation.
- Documentation of assessment and trial outcomes; with the intent of use of AAC interventions and technology, such as speech-generating devices
- record evaluation results and observations
- Formulation of diagnostic impressions to create a treatment strategy and recommendations.