A pilot study is reported presenting reliability and validity data for screening for
delayed language in an area of urban disadvantage. Paraprofessional staff screened
children between 19 and 21 months (n 50) during routine home visits. Results show
that the workers were reliable (0.78–1.0, Kappa) using a standardized test
(First Words Test) and the screening achieved sensitivity of 1.0 and specificity of
0.7. The prevalence of language delays was high; 18–31% of those screened
would have been referred for specialist assessment. The identification of false
positives on screening may identify children who give cause for concern and allow
targeting of early educational interventions.
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