The Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication Screening Checklist for Persian Speaking Children From 12 to 24 Months and Its Validity and Reliability

Abstract

Objectives: Identification of developmental disabilities in the initial years of life provides an opportunity for early intervention. However there are limitations in this procedure, like the lack of appropriate instruments. The purpose of this study was to develop a verbal and non-verbal communication screening instrument and determining its validity and reliability in Persianspeaking children aged between 12 and 24 months. Methods:Parents of 147 children aged between 12 and 24 months participated in this study. Prior to the data collection, we reviewed communication tests and texts in Persian and English articles. We determined the content validity by calculating impact score of content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Test-retest reliability was calculated within an interval of 1 week. Results:The CVR score for the first group was between 0.57 and 1, and for the second group, between 0.79 and 1. These values were acceptable. CVI score for both groups was within 0.79-1 range. Impact score for items in the first group was 3-4.7, and in the second group, 2.9-4.8. By calculating interclass correlation, the Cronbach α coefficient and Spearman's rho in two administrations within 1-week interval, the test-retest reliability was evaluated, which was acceptable. Discussion:The findings of this study show that this checklist has reasonable validity and reliability for both groups. The checklist is an integrated instrument for screening children who are at risk of verbal and non-verbal communication delay or disorders.

Language Screening in Toddlers with Cleft Lips and or Palates: A Pilot Study

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Comparison of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Between Deaf Children with no Cochlear Implantation and Deaf Children 12-24 Months After Cochlear Implantation

“…The parents who signed the consent form filled out the ASQ and the checklist. The verbal & non-verbal communication screening checklist for Persian-speaking children aged 12-24 months, that is a valid and reliable instrument to screen the communicative abilities in 12 to 18 month-old toddlers (Safariyan et al, 2017) were used as well. The verbal & non-verbal communication screening checklist was composed of two sections: the first section was for 12 to 18 month-old children and the second section was developed for children between the ages of 18 to 24 months.…”