Evaluation of Current Assessment Tools in the Early Detection of Language Retardation in the German Preventive Paediatric Examinations (Kindervorsorgeuntersuchung U7/U7A)

Abstract

Objective: The current analysis is a contribution to user orientation and quality assurance that seeks to evaluate and optimise the use of German language development assessment tools during early paediatric toddler check-ups (Kindervorsorgeuntersuchung U7 or U7A). Methods: All current, standardised assessment tools, particularly those relevant to early detection of developmental language retardation - normed on German speaking children - were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively with particular regard to their psychometric criteria (13 criteria) and design features. Results: 8 assessment tools (ELAN; ELFRA-2; Short Form ELFRA-2; FRAKIS; FRAKIS-K; SBE-2-KT; SBE-3-KT; SETK-2) were located in the literature and subjected to a detailed and rigorous comparative analysis. Quantitatively they met 9 to 11 of the 13 psychometric criteria. Conclusion: In Germany, there are several assessment tools for dichotomous identification of language retardations on high levels of psychometric criteria that can be used in the above-mentioned preventive paediatric examinations. Nevertheless, the collecting of actual norm scores of representative samples should be kept in mind.