Oral language assessment: structure and report template
Oral language assessment in speech and language therapy: areas explored, structure of the assessment report (CRBO), speech and language therapy diagnosis, and care plan. Template to download.
Countries covered : France
The oral language assessment is often the first gateway to speech and language therapy, especially for young children. Its report (CRBO) must objectively document the different areas of language, establish a speech and language therapy diagnosis, and set out a clear care plan.
This page details the expected structure and offers a ready-to-use template.
Areas of oral language
A comprehensive assessment is not limited to "speech". It explores several components:
- Phonology and articulation: sound production, intelligibility.
- Lexicon: expressive (words produced) and receptive (words understood) aspects.
- Morphosyntax: sentence construction, in expression and comprehension.
- Pragmatics and discourse: language use in context, narrative, exchange.
Distinguishing these areas helps to understand where the difficulties lie (comprehension, expression, or both) and to guide the therapeutic plan.
Structure of the report
The oral language CRBO follows the same framework as any speech and language therapy assessment report: identification and context, case history, tests administered, results, analysis and speech and language therapy diagnosis, therapeutic plan, conclusion, and recommendations. This generic structure is detailed on our reference page on the speech and language therapy assessment (CRBO).
What distinguishes an oral language assessment are the tests used: they cover each of the areas above (phonology, expressive and receptive lexicon, morphosyntax in expression and comprehension, discourse), each time with qualitative observations specific to oral language, such as intelligibility, willingness to communicate, and joint attention.
Oral language assessment template to download
Includes the sections above, ready to fill out after the assessment. Access the PDF by entering your email:
Numerical data: keeping it readable
As with written language, present scores consistently: test, score obtained, normative reference, interpretation. This consistency makes it easier to track progress from one assessment to another and to write reassessment reports.
Save time on your reports
The oral language assessment involves numerous tests and produces a dense analysis. The winning strategy: start with a fixed template, standardise sections and wording, and write while observations are fresh.
This is what Delta allows: you capture your observations through live note-taking or post-session dictation, and the tool generates a structured report based on your template, with a longitudinal patient history from one assessment to the next. HDS hosting, GDPR compliant.
Frequently asked questions
What does an oral language assessment contain?
It explores phonology and articulation, lexicon (expressive and receptive), morphosyntax (expression and comprehension), and pragmatics/discourse, using standardised tests and qualitative observations.
What is the difference between oral language and written language?
Oral language concerns speech, verbal comprehension, and expression; written language concerns reading, spelling, and text production. The two can be assessed separately.
Language delay or language disorder: what is the difference?
They are not synonyms. The report remains cautious: it describes objective observations and, if necessary, refers to a medical or multidisciplinary approach.
How should results be presented?
Consistently: test, score obtained, normative reference, interpretation. A consistent presentation makes it easier to track progress.
Should the report be kept?
Yes: the CRBO is kept in the patient's file, justifies the billing code, and serves as a basis for the reassessment.
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