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Selection of children with specific language deficits
The Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders
|May 1, 1981
Summary
Developing precise criteria for specific language deficit (SLD) in children is challenging. Many referred children did not meet strict selection criteria, highlighting heterogeneity in SLD presentation for research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric language development
- Clinical linguistics
- Child psychology
Background:
- Specific Language Deficit (SLD) is often defined by exclusion criteria.
- Accurate identification of children with SLD is crucial for research and intervention.
- Existing referral criteria may not align with precise diagnostic standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To devise and evaluate a standard approach for selecting children with SLD for research.
- To assess the effectiveness of detailed exclusion and inclusion criteria for SLD identification.
- To examine the homogeneity of language-impaired children selected for studies.
Main Methods:
- Developed detailed exclusion criteria (hearing, cognitive, neurologic, emotional/behavioral deficits).
- Specified criteria for the extent of language impairment.
- Assessed 132 children aged 4-8.5 years, comparing referred children to precisely defined criteria.
- Selected a matched group of typically developing children.
Main Results:
- Less than one-third of referred language-impaired children met the project's precise selection criteria.
- Selected children exhibited significant variation in receptive/expressive language and articulation.
- The devised selection approach identified a non-homogeneous group of children with SLD.
Conclusions:
- Standardized, detailed selection criteria are necessary for clinical research on SLD.
- The heterogeneity observed impacts the design and interpretation of intervention studies.
- Refining selection methodologies is essential for advancing understanding and treatment of SLD.