Speech and language assessments are conducted by a trained speech therapist who is trained to listen through the ear. This process involves the use of an assessment tool, which is a research-designed picture or form. Through interaction with the child, the child is asked to say the “target sound”, preferably in a natural state, and the speech therapist listens and records the child’s pronunciation. The speech therapist listens to and records the child’s pronunciation to determine whether the child is speaking correctly or incorrectly.