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.

Citations

1. Stuart S (2002). Communication: Speech and language. In ML Batshaw, ed., Children With Disabilities, 5th ed., ch. 12, pp. 229–241. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.