Developmental Language Disorder: Early Predictors, Age for the Diagnosis, and Diagnostic Tools. A Scoping Review
Alessandra Sansavini1,2, Maria Elena Favilla3, Maria Teresa Guasti4
1Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Early predictors of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) include delayed language skills by 30 months. Screening between ages 2-3 and diagnosis around age 4 are recommended for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Child development
- Speech and language pathology
- Pediatric medicine
Background:
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a common childhood condition with potential long-term effects.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing DLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify early predictors of DLD.
- Determine optimal screening and diagnostic age ranges for DLD.
- Evaluate effective diagnostic tools for preschool children with DLD.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies.
- Analysis of predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of assessment tools.
- Inclusion of 37 studies (10 systematic reviews, 27 primary studies).
Main Results:
- Early predictors (by 30 months): delayed gesture, vocabulary, syntax, word combination. Major risk factor: family history. Lower predictive power: low socioeconomic status, environmental input.
- Optimal screening age: 2-3 years. Optimal diagnosis age: 4 years.
- Recommended: combined use of standardized and psycholinguistic measures for diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring risk factors and utilizing caregiver reports, clinical assessment, and linguistic measures are key for early DLD identification.
- Timely intervention is essential for children with DLD.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Language Development
596
Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
596
01:27Introduction to Developmental Psychology
845
Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...
845
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
508
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
508
01:27Language and Cognition
529
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
529
01:25Learning Disabilities
340
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
340
01:29Three Developmental Domains
662
Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
662