Early Identification of Developmental Language Delay

Despite the importance of identifying children with developmental language delay, no accurate screening instruments are available for 3-year-olds. The aim of the present study is to compare the accuracy of the General Language Screen (GLS), focusing on receptive and expressive language and intelligibility with the accuracy of the VTO Language Screening Instrument (VTO-LSI)-3-year, focusing on expressive language and intelligibility. We hypothesize that the GLS is more accurate in identifying children with language delay, because it also assesses receptive language. Ninety-seven 3-year-old children were included based on their language screening score at the age of 2. At the age of 3, children were assessed with the VTO-LSI-3-year and the GLS. Diagnostic tests were used as reference tests. The GLS was better than the VTO-LSI-3-year in identifying children with language delay. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the discriminative power showed higher areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the GLS. Moreover, the GLS was better in detecting receptive language concerns. Given these results the GLS may serve as a reliable screening tool, especially for children with receptive problems. Because receptive language problems are persistent, early diagnosis and intervention is very important for these children.