Speech and language tests for children
Your child's doctor may apply concepts from basic speech and language assessments during routine checkups. If your child is referred to a specialist for suspected communication delays, additional tests may also be used. The following is a sample of tests used by specialists out of a wide variety of those available.1
Newborn to 3 years:
- MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories. This test assesses words and gestures used to communicate.
- The Rossetti Infant-Toddler Language Scale. Six areas are evaluated, including interaction-attachment, pragmatics, gestures, play, receptive language, and expressive language.
- Early Language Milestone Scale. This test checks how a child shares thoughts, protests, or comments (expressive language) and how well a child understands language (receptive language).
Newborn to 6 years:
- Preschool Language Scale. This test measures hearing and receptive language skills as well as expressive language.
Ages 2 to 16:
- Bankson-Bernthal Phonological Process Survey Test. Errors are evaluated to identify patterns.
- Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test. Vocabulary abilities are evaluated.
- Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation—2. This test examines how well consonant sounds are made.
Ages 3 to 6:
- Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Preschool. This assesses all areas of receptive language skills, components of expressive language, and memory and recall.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH Carrie Henley | Last Updated: February 23, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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