The Toddler Emerging Speech Assessment (TESA) Test and Analysis Form is a practical informal assessment tool designed specifically for speech pathologists working with toddlers and young children who are using a limited number of words or are in the early stages of speech and lexical development. The tool is currently suitable for children learning Australian English. The form provides instructions and a form to record child responses to target stimuli. Stimuli have been carefully chosen to allow sampling of early word shapes/lengths, consonant sequences, and segments. The accompanying analysis tools can be used to help speech pathologists evaluate the child’s emerging speech and inform their goals and targets for therapy.

The TESA can be used during initial/review assessments and also as a useful outcome measure for monitoring progress over time. Suitable for use across private practice, early intervention, disability, community health, and educational settings, the Toddler Emerging Speech Assessment Test and Analysis Form helps speech pathologists move from observation to analysis, supporting more targeted goal and word selection, and clearer clinical decision-making.