Screening for Speech and Language Disorders

Screening is the practice of using an abbreviated assessment process to determine if further evaluation is needed. The objective is simply to detect the presence or absence of risk factors associated with language and speech disorders. A screening should be brief yet provide enough of a communication sample for the clinician to observe important aspects of language, articulation, fluency, and voice. Effective screening helps single out those who may need specific communication intervention from those who do not; thus, screening is a process of gross identification but not fine [Page 1640]description. This entry describes screening formats, how to create a screening protocol, the elements that should be tested, and challenges inherent to the screening process.