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Predicting poor-communication status in preschool children using risk factors present at birth
J B Tomblin1, J C Hardy, H A Hein
1University of Iowa.
Insights
Parent reports identified children at risk for speech and language disorders. Early identification programs can use risk criteria and birth order to flag preschoolers needing communication support.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Preschool children's speech and language development is crucial for academic success.
- Early identification of speech and language disorders can significantly improve outcomes.
- Parental input is a valuable tool in assessing child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive power of family background and birth history for identifying speech-language disorders in preschoolers.
- To determine the effectiveness of risk criteria in identifying children with poor communication skills.
- To assess the impact of birth order on predicting communication status.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 662 children aged 30 months to 5 years using parent-report information.
- Analysis of family background and birth history data.
- Evaluation of risk criteria for predicting speech-language status.
Main Results:
- A set of risk criteria accurately predicted 55% of children with poor communication skills and 76% with normal development.
- The addition of birth order data improved the prediction accuracy.
- Twelve children were diagnosed with speech-language disorders, and 50 were at or below the 10th percentile for language development.
Conclusions:
- Risk criteria, including birth order, can effectively identify preschoolers at risk for communication disorders.
- Preschool identification programs should incorporate a registry for at-risk children.
- Early identification facilitates timely intervention and support for children with speech and language challenges.
Abstract:
The speech and language status of 662 children between the ages of 30 months and 5 years was determined through the use of parent report information. Twelve of these children were reported by their parents to have been diagnosed as having a speech-language disorder, and 50 of these children were found to be at or below the 10th percentile in language development for children of their age. Information about family background and birth history obtained when these children were born was evaluated with respect to its power to predict speech-language status in these preschool children. A set of risk criteria was found to accurately predict 55% of those children with poor communication skills and 76% of those with normal communication development. This prediction was improved by the addition of data about the child's birth order. These results suggest that programs of preschool identification should consider the inclusion of a registry of children who are at risk for a communication disorder.