Research conducted by the Child Health and Parenting (CHAP) research group at Uppsala University in collaboration with Region Gotland has shown that new screening tools in child health care are effective in identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. Based on data from more than 6,000 children in Region Gotland between 2016 and 2022, the studies demonstrate the importance of early screening in identifying children who could benefit from speech and language therapy. This research provides crucial information for determining whether these screening tools should be introduced more widely, although further evaluation over an extended period is necessary.
The first study focused on evaluating Språkfyran, a screening tool for four-year-olds where a nurse assesses the child’s language skills through tasks such as imitating sounds and pointing to pictures. The study, published in Acta Paediatrica, found that the introduction of Språkfyran resulted in a significant increase in referrals to speech therapists, from 0.4 to 6.9 percent. This suggests that Språkfyran is effective in identifying children in need of speech therapy at an early stage, highlighting the importance of early intervention in child health care. This underscores the potential of new screening tools to make a positive impact in identifying and addressing language difficulties in children.
The second study focused on evaluating the Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC) at the 18-month visit to child health services. The ITC is a questionnaire that asks parents to provide information on their child’s play, expression, and language skills. With a sample of over 2,600 children, the researchers found that the implementation of the ITC led to a high screening rate of 93 percent and increased referrals to child speech and language therapy. The findings indicate that the ITC is an effective tool for identifying communication and language disorders at an early stage, enabling timely intervention to support children with delayed speech and language development.
The research emphasizes the importance of implementing effective screening tools in child health care to identify and support children with language difficulties. By using tools such as Språkfyran and the ITC, health professionals can play a key role in early detection and intervention for children with speech and language challenges. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in providing children with the necessary support and resources to overcome communication barriers and enhance their language skills. The research underscores the potential of screening tools to improve outcomes for children with language difficulties, highlighting the importance of early intervention in child health care.
Overall, the studies carried out by the CHAP research group in collaboration with Region Gotland highlight the effectiveness of new screening tools in identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. With data from over 6,000 children, the research shows that tools like Språkfyran and the ITC can lead to increased referrals to speech therapy and provide essential support for children with language delays. By implementing these screening tools, health professionals can play a crucial role in early detection and intervention, ultimately benefiting children’s language development and overall well-being. The findings underscore the importance of early screening in child health care and the potential of these tools to make a positive impact on children’s language skills and communication abilities.
