Specific Language Impairment Testing
Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is a developmental language disorder that affects children’s ability to acquire language despite normal cognitive development and no hearing loss. It affects about 7-10% of preschool children and presents challenges in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. SLI can manifest as difficulties with grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. It persists into school years leading to academic and social difficulties.
Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) often face a variety of language challenges. One common issue is the use of short or incomplete sentences. These children may find it difficult to express full thoughts, leaving their sentences fragmented or overly simplified. They frequently struggle with understanding complex instructions, which can hinder their ability to follow classroom activities or engage in conversations.
Another symptom is a limited vocabulary. Children with SLI may not know as many words as their peers and often find it hard to learn new vocabulary. This can lead to gaps in their communication skills and make it difficult to keep up with the language demands of schoolwork. SLI often involves difficulties with word order and sentence structure, making it challenging for children to construct grammatically correct sentences.
Early diagnosis is important because SLI increases the risk of later academic issues, particularly with reading comprehension and overall literacy development. Identifying these language challenges early allows for interventions that can significantly improve a child’s academic trajectory
Is a School Screening Enough?
Schools cannot provide a formal diagnosis of SLI. Only a licensed educational psychologist can officially diagnose the condition after conducting thorough assessments. While schools can offer preliminary support, plans can only be implemented once a formal diagnosis has been made. These accommodations are outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or equivalent document, ensuring the student receives mandated support.
Comprehensive Assessments
Global Education Testing specializes in diagnosing SLI through a comprehensive assessment process that includes both formal and informal language evaluations. By identifying the specific areas of language difficulty, we develop tailored intervention plans that address both expressive and receptive language challenges. Our assessments are conducted by licensed educational psychologists who provide detailed reports and recommendations
Extra Time in Exams
Only a qualified educational psychologist from a health system comparable to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand can provide the depth, scope, and detail needed for a diagnosis that external examination boards take seriously. Our assessments are critical in unlocking maximum accommodations, such as the maximum extended time for exams, which can make a world of difference to your child’s academic success.
Specific Language Impairment Testing
The Difference a Diagnosis Makes
GLOBAL EDUCATION TESTING
How to Get Started
To begin the Specific Language Impairment (SLI) testing process, parents or schools can easily book a Consultation through our website. Early identification ensures the student receives timely support. If language difficulties are noticed, it’s important to schedule a screening as soon as possible. Early detection can significantly improve the long-term academic and social outcomes for children with SLI.
SLI Test Results
We provide a comprehensive report that outlines the child’s specific language needs. This report serves as the foundation for developing an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) or other formal school accommodations. It helps educators and parents understand the child’s challenges and implement strategies to support their learning.
Students diagnosed with SLI can benefit from various accommodations in the classroom. These include extended time for tests and assignments, preferential seating to reduce distractions, the use of assistive technology such as speech-to-text tools, and one-on-one instruction or tutoring.
SLI reports are essential when schools develop ILPs or 504 plans, ensuring that the child receives necessary support. These reports can also be used to request accommodations like extra time on standardized tests and adjustments in classroom assessments.
Locations
At Global Education Testing, we are committed to providing comprehensive educational assessments no matter where you are in the world. We facilitate testing in every country and location through our proprietary network of qualified educational psychologists from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Whether in urban centers or remote areas, we ensure that our assessments are accessible through in-person evaluations or secure online platforms, offering the same level of detail and accuracy.
Our global reach allows parents and schools worldwide to benefit from the most advanced testing methods, providing clear, actionable insights to support each child’s unique learning needs.
