Validation of a Dutch language screening instrument for 5-year-old preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Neonatal Follow-up

Background:

• Preterm infants face higher risks of developmental delays, including speech and language impairments.
• Early identification of these issues is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Pediatricians require validated screening tools for comprehensive developmental assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Dutch Taal Screenings Test (TST) for assessing speech and language development in 5-year-old preterm infants.
• To evaluate the TST's utility as part of a broader follow-up instrument for pediatricians.
• To determine the optimal cutoff score for identifying children requiring speech therapy.

Main Methods:

• Speech and language development of 145 preterm infants (born <32 weeks gestation and/or <1500g birth weight) was assessed.
• Assessments were conducted by a pediatrician using the TST and by a speech therapist using standardized tests.
• Correlations between TST results and standardized language tests were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between the TST and standardized language tests.
• The original TST cutoff (18 points) identified only 62% of children needing speech therapy; a cutoff of 17 was more effective.
• Using parent/school questionnaires improved the TST's positive predictive value from 77% to 82%.

Conclusions:

• The Dutch Taal Screenings Test (TST) is a valuable tool for pediatricians to screen for speech and language problems in 5-year-old preterm infants.
• An adjusted cutoff score enhances the TST's effectiveness in identifying children who need speech therapy.
• Integrating subjective feedback via questionnaires further improves the screening accuracy.