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A series of groundbreaking studies conducted by researchers at Uppsala University in collaboration with Region Gotland have demonstrated the effectiveness of new screening tools in child health care for identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. Based on data from more than 6,000 children, these studies underscore the crucial role of early screening in providing timely interventions for children who may benefit from speech and language therapy.
Anna Fäldt, a researcher and specialist speech and language therapist, emphasizes the importance of early screening in identifying children who require speech and language therapy. The research conducted by the Child Health and Parenting (CHAP) research group at Uppsala University sheds light on the effectiveness of these screening tools in addressing language difficulties in children.
The first study, published in Acta Paediatrica, evaluated the impact of Språkfyran, a screening tool for four-year-olds administered by nurses. The study, based on data from over 3,500 children, revealed a significant increase in referrals to speech therapists following the introduction of Språkfyran, highlighting its ability to identify children in need of early intervention.
Anna Levin, a paediatrician and coordinator of child health services on Gotland, underscores the importance of Språkfyran in identifying children who require speech therapy at an early stage, thus facilitating timely interventions in child health care.
The second study, published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, evaluated the implementation of the Infant-Toddler Checklist (ITC) during the 18-month visit to child health services. The ITC, a questionnaire completed by parents, proved to be an effective screening tool, leading to a high screening rate of 93 per cent and increased referrals to child speech and language therapy.
Researcher Anton Dahlberg highlights the significance of implementing effective screening tools in identifying communication and language disorders in children at an early stage, thereby enabling timely interventions and support for children with delayed speech and language development.
The research, funded by Länsförsäkringar Gotland, underscores the importance of investing in early screening and intervention programs to address language and communication difficulties in children, ultimately enhancing their developmental outcomes and quality of life.
These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals in enhancing child health care services and promoting early intervention strategies to support children’s language and communication development.
