Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation 2 (GFTA-2): Assessing Your Child’s Speech | Chicago Speech Therapy

Goldman Fristoe Test of Articulation 2 (GFTA-2): Assessing Your Child’s Speech

What is the Goldman Fristoe Articulation Test?

The Goldman Fristoe Articulation Test is widely used by speech pathologists throughout the United States as a tool to assess children’s speech development.  Developed by Dr. Ronald Goldman and Dr. Macalyne Fristoe, this test can assess and yield information about a child’s progress, ability, and other measures of speech production.  It can be administered on infants and youth of all ages (until age 21) with the ability to compare the child’s individual status against national standardized norms.  Goldman and Fristoe both have significant experience in speech pathology, and have created this test out of their own need to help their clients.  When researching this test, you may find that there is now a second edition available.  This edition includes tables of standardized norms, as well as updated pictures that are void of cultural bias.

Sampling a child’s spontaneous and imitative sound production helps to build a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses.  This test can be easily administered in less than 15 minutes using picture cards and consonant sounds.   This short test can create a clear trusted picture for speech language pathologists.

Gender-Based Speech Therapy

Different stages and areas of speech can be tested in accordance with the child’s age and gender.  Many relationship studies have suggested that the male and female sex communicate differently, and this starts the moment we begin to learn language.  Women learn language abstractly while men learn based on sensory cues.

It can be explained best with the cliché related to men and women’s style of directions.  Women will give directions with abstract and additional cues, “go one block north and turn right after you pass the bakery.”  Men will give directions in a simpler manner without abstract cues or landmarks, “go north on Willow and turn right on Ash.”

Because of the differences in male and female language processing, different instruction will benefit one sex, but not the other.  Boys may benefit from lecture and reading, while girls are more apt to learn with more abstract approaches, and information-laden learning.  The importance of gender differentiated results is something that the Goldman Fristoe standardized test results takes into account.  It is vital to know the differences in learning so that any therapy given is most successful to the child.

Chicago Speech Therapy Can Help

Perhaps your child is showing difficulty mimicking the sounds you make, or producing ones of their own.  If you have any questions on your child’s language progress, have a speech pathologist conduct this short test.   This quick test can provide lots of information about your child’s language assessment, and help you to decide whether or not to enter into therapy.

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"Elizabeth was an incredibly communicative and supportive therapist for our daughter. We saw impressive improvement quickly, and our 2yo often looked forward to their weekly sessions. Our daughter just graduated from speech and we're so grateful for Elizabeth's expertise, empathy, and support over the past year!"

"We had the most wonderful experience with Chicago Speech Therapy! Our speech pathologist, Miss Megan, developed a bond with our son almost immediately. By week two, he would await her arrival by the window in our front door! She quickly discovered all of his favorite things and would bring so many toys of her own that would keep him engaged and wanting to talk! She gave us (parents) tons of strategies to work with on our own in between her weekly visits. Our son made consistent progress under her care and has now been released from speech therapy ~ which actually makes us so sad ~ simply because we miss Miss Megan! She basically became part of our family and will be dearly missed. I couldn’t recommend Miss Megan and Chicago Speech Therapy more!"

Speech Therapy Services We Offer | Chicago Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy Services We Offer

Our expert speech-language pathologists are equipped to address a wide range of communication challenges, providing tailored solutions for each child's unique needs. From early language development to complex communication disorders, we offer comprehensive support at every stage of your child's journey.