Bilingual & Multilingual Speech & Language Evaluations

Language development in bilingual and multilingual individuals follows a different path than in monolingual speakers. A child or adult who speaks multiple languages may mix languages, use different grammatical structures, or take longer to develop full proficiency in each language—all of which are normal aspects of bilingualism, not disorders. However, many traditional speech and language evaluations do not account for these differences, leading to misdiagnosis. A bilingual child might be mistakenly identified as having a language disorder when, in reality, they are simply developing both languages at their own pace. Similarly, a multilingual adult might face communication challenges in a second or third language that are not reflective of an actual speech or language impairment.

At Oceanview Therapy, our bilingual and multilingual evaluations assess an individual’s communication abilities in both (or all) of their languages to provide an accurate picture of their strengths and challenges. We ensure that any speech or language differences are not mistaken for a disorder and that cultural and linguistic factors are considered in the assessment process. Our evaluations are conducted by professionals experienced in bilingual language acquisition, and we offer testing in American English, Spanish, and Italian. By taking a culturally responsive and research-based approach, we help children and adults receive appropriate support and recommendations, whether for academic success, professional growth, or personal communication development. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide a bilingual evaluation tailored to your needs!