Speech and language evaluations assess a child’s ability to communicate effectively with adults and peers. A wide variety of areas are assessed during a speech and language evaluation. The SLP (speech-language pathologist) determines whether a child has sufficient vocabulary (both receptive and expressive), can follow directions, respond to questions and use age-expected grammar. Additional areas include sound production (articulation), oral-motor abilities (jaw, lips and tongue) and feeding skills. The final areas that are routinely evaluated are fluency and vocal quality (high/low pitch, hoarseness, etc.). Based on parent interview and behavioral observations, hearing is informally assessed. If there are any indications that hearing may be compromised, a hearing test (audiological evaluation) is then recommended.