Prevalence and natural history of primary speech and language delay: findings from a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

The prevalence and the natural history of primary speech and language delays were two of four domains covered in a systematic review of the literature related to screening for speech and language delay carried out for the NHS in the UK. The structure and process of the full literature review is introduced and criteria for inclusion in the two domains are specified. The resulting data set gave 16 prevalence estimates generated from 21 publications and 12 natural history studies generated from 18 publications. Results are summarized for six subdivisions of primary speech and language delays: (1) speech and/or language, (2) language only, (3) speech only, (4) expression with comprehension, (5) expression only and (6) comprehension only. Combination of the data suggests that both concurrent and predictive case definition can be problematic. Prediction improves if language is taken independently of speech and if expressive and receptive language are taken together. The results are discussed in terms of the need to develop a model of prevalence based on risk of subsequent difficulties.

Verbal fluency tests: Normative data for Spanish-speaking pediatric population

“…Several studies have estimated the prevalence of communication disorders in children to be between 2% and 25% (Law, Boyle, Harris, Harkness, & Nye, 2000;McLeod & Harrison, 2009;Tomblin et al, 1997). Based on these prevalence rates alone, it is clear that communication disorders are a relatively common problem of childhood that must be addressed.…”

Effectiveness of the Language Intervention Programme for Preschool Children

“…Law et al [8] concluded that difficulties persist without intervention, and thus, it is important to assess the effectiveness of a specific intervention programme for these children.…”

Validity and Reliability of the European-Portuguese Preschool Language Assessment ALPE

“…These language skills assessed by TL-ALPE are well documented in the scientific literature concerning language development, language disorders and psycholinguistics [1,19,21]. …”

“…The prevalence of language delay and disorders ranges from 1 to 15% according to a systematic review of the literature [1]. Language assessment of preschool children with developmental language disorders is typically performed with standardized tests in combination with other information [2].…”