What Is the CELF-5? Understanding Language Assessments for Children in Shoalhaven
- claire2876
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Is your child struggling with reading, following instructions, or keeping up with classroom learning? It might not just be a learning issue—it could be related to their language development. The CELF-5, or Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Fifth Edition, is one of the most widely used tools by speech pathologists to assess how a child understands and uses language.
At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our speech pathologists—based at the Shoalhaven Allied Health clinic—use the CELF-5 to support families across Shoalhaven in identifying language delays and building personalised therapy plans that help children thrive at home, at school, and in the community.
What Is the CELF-5?
The CELF-5 is a comprehensive, standardised assessment designed to evaluate a child’s language skills. It looks at both:
Receptive language – understanding what others say
Expressive language – how a child uses words to express themselves
It’s typically used with children and adolescents aged 5 to 21 years and is especially helpful for identifying:
Language delays or disorders
Learning difficulties
Literacy challenges
Social communication difficulties
NDIS eligibility or plan reviews
What Does the CELF-5 Assess?
The CELF-5 includes a series of subtests that measure different areas of language, including:
Sentence structure
Following directions
Word definitions
Recalling sentences
Understanding spoken paragraphs
Semantic relationships
Pragmatic language (how language is used socially)
These results help us build a full picture of your child’s strengths and challenges—and how language might be affecting learning, social skills, and behaviour.
Why Is the CELF-5 Important?
A child with undiagnosed language difficulties may struggle in ways that impact:
Classroom participation
Reading and writing development
Friendships and social interaction
Behaviour and self-regulation
Confidence and mental health
By identifying these challenges early, we can create a targeted intervention plan that supports your child’s communication and learning outcomes.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Once the CELF-5 is completed, your speech pathologist will:
Analyse the results and identify areas of need
Provide a written report, which may be used for schools, paediatricians, or NDIS reviews
Meet with you to explain the results in a parent-friendly way
Develop a therapy plan with goals tailored to your child’s learning style and priorities
If your child is receiving NDIS support, the CELF-5 report can be used to justify funding for communication goals, social skills groups, or ongoing therapy.
Who Should Consider a CELF-5 Assessment?
A CELF-5 assessment is recommended if:
Your child is falling behind at school despite good effort
Teachers have raised concerns about comprehension or expression
Your child has difficulty making or keeping friends
You’re seeing signs of frustration or behavioural challenges linked to communication
You’re preparing for an NDIS access request or plan review
A diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, or developmental delay has been made
Where Are Assessments Offered?
Our speech pathology team operates from our Shoalhaven Allied Health clinic in Nowra, with sessions available in:
Clinic settings (child-friendly and accessible)
Local schools and early learning centres
Telehealth options, where appropriate
We work closely with educators, families, and support coordinators to ensure practical strategies are implemented across all environments.
Let’s Support Your Child’s Communication and Learning
If you’re concerned about your child’s communication or school performance, a CELF-5 assessment could be the first step in unlocking the right supports. We’ll guide you through the process with care and expertise.
Contact South Coast Therapy & Support Group today to learn more or to book a CELF-5 assessment with one of our experienced speech pathologists at the Shoalhaven Allied Health clinic.
