Product Features
Is WellComm a 1-2-1 assessment?
Yes, in a WellComm screen, this addresses communication between the child and the practitioner. There are questions which address what the child understands the practitioner saying, and others which address how the child responds. An assessment between the child and a computer would measure different skills, so it is important that it is the interaction with the practitioner or another adult that is observed.
How long does it take to assess a child?
It takes 10-15 minutes to assess each child, although if a child has significant language difficulties it may take longer. You can take as many breaks as needed to complete an assessment.
Can I use WellComm to assess specific speech sound production/developmental difficulties?
The WellComm speech and language toolkit allows for opportunity to highlight and record speech sound production and developmental difficulties but does not contain a specific screening tool for the assessment of these skills.
Additional information and guidance in this area, including information on the typical development of speech sounds in English-Speaking children is provided in the Early Years Handbook (p.47-48) and within the accompanying Big Book Of Ideas (p.212-213).
Given that speech sounds and articulation is one of the later-acquired elements of speech, language and communication development, these skills can take longer to develop and may require more specialist intervention.
We are aware that some practitioners choose to prioritise referrals to speech and language specialists for those children displaying specific speech sound, voice or dysfluency difficulties, recognising that formal assessment and/or support of skills in this area would typically require a more specialist qualification.