Two techniques have proven effective in detecting language and communication difficulties in children from an early stage in two separate studies: Språkfyran and the Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC).
Both studies used data from the medical records of more than 6000 children (In total) in the Region of Gotland between 2016 and 2022 to discover what screening tools may be effective in identifying early language difficulties in children.
The first study evaluated the impact of Språkfyran. Four-year-olds were asked to perform tasks by imitating what they heard and pointing to pictures. This particular technique saw referrals to speech therapists increase from 0.4% to 6.9%.
ITC was assessed in the second study. ITC is used at the 18-month visit to health services, and is a questionnaire for parents to answer how their child plays, expresses themselves and understands language. The implementation of ITC led to a screening rate of 93% and increased referrals to speech and language therapy.
Researcher and speech and language therapist Anna Fäldt said: ‘These studies underline the crucial role that early screening plays in identifying children who could benefit from speech and language therapy.’
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