Office Guide to Paediatric Speech and Language Assessment

Toronto Public Health and The Hospital for Sick Children produced a new screening tool entitled: Office Guide to Paediatric Speech and Language Assessment. The screening tool and article have been published in the January 2014 issue of Paediatrics & Child Health, the journal of the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS).

The tool aims to help physicians achieve three main goals:

1. Early and accurate identification of speech and language delays as well as those at risk for literacy challenges;
2. Appropriate referral to speech and language services when required; and
3. Teaching and thus empowering parents to create rich and responsive language environments at home

The article provides further details around the tool which can be used by physicians to augment screening for speech and language delays during the preschool period and provide simple strategies for interim treatment while families wait for referred services.