Validation of a Paediatric Speech and Language Screening (RALF)

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Portuguese Paediatric Speech and Language Screening (RALF) test requires psychometric evaluation.
• Early identification of speech and language disorders is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the psychometric properties of the RALF test in Portuguese children.
• To establish the reliability and validity of the RALF screening tool.

Main Methods:

• 202 Portuguese children aged 3-5 years were assessed.
• Reliability (internal consistency, inter-judge) and validity (content, sensitivity, specificity) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• High content validity confirmed by expert panel.
• Excellent inter-judge reliability (ICC=0.951) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.7-0.8).
• High sensitivity (83-96%) and specificity (71-85%) across age groups indicate effective discrimination between typical and disordered speech-language development.

Conclusions:

• The RALF test is a psychometrically sound screening instrument.
• It can be reliably used by health and educational professionals in Portugal.
• RALF facilitates the identification of children requiring speech-language diagnosis and therapy referral.