Visser-Bochane MI, Gerrits E, van der Schans CP, Reijneveld SA, Luinge MR. Atypical speech and language development: a consensus study on clinical signs in the Netherlands.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2017;
52:10-20. [PMID:
27220324 DOI:
10.1111/1460-6984.12251]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Atypical speech and language development is one of the most common developmental difficulties in young children. However, which clinical signs characterize atypical speech-language development at what age is not clear.
AIM
To achieve a national and valid consensus on clinical signs and red flags (i.e. most urgent clinical signs) for atypical speech-language development in children from 1 to 6 years of age.
METHODS & PROCEDURES
A two-round Delphi study in the Netherlands with a national expert panel (n = 24) of speech and language therapists was conducted. The panel members responded to web-based questionnaires addressing clinical signs. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of the experts agreeing on an issue.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS
The first round resulted in a list of 161 characteristics of atypical speech and language development. The second round led to agreement on 124 clinical signs and 34 red flags.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
Dutch national consensus concerns 17-23 clinical signs per age year for the description of an atypical speech-language development in young children and three to 10 characteristics per age year being red flags for atypical speech-language development. This consensus contributes to early identification and diagnosis of children with atypical speech-language development, awareness and research.
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