A Brief Measure of Language Skills at 3 Years of Age and Special Education Use in Middle Childhood

Laura Lee McIntyre, William E. Pelham, Matthew H. Kim, Thomas J. Dishion, Daniel S. Shaw, Melvin N. Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To test whether a language screener administered during early childhood predicts special education referrals and placement in middle childhood. Study design A series of logistic regressions was conducted in a longitudinal study of 731 children. Predictor variables included scores on the early language screener (Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test-Second Edition [Fluharty-2]) at ages 3 and 4 years, a standardized measure of academic achievement at age 5 years, and parent report of special education services at ages 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5 years. Results Results showed that higher scores on the Fluharty-2 predicted a reduced likelihood of having an individualized education program (OR 0.48), being referred for special education (OR 0.55), and being held back a grade (OR 0.37). These findings did not vary by sex, race, or ethnicity, and remained significant after controlling for male sex, behavior problems, parental education, and family income. The Fluharty-2 remained predictive of special education outcomes even after controlling for children's academic skills at age 5 years. Conclusions Results suggest that structured, brief assessments of language in early childhood are robust predictors of children's future engagement in special education services and low academic achievement. Primary care physicians may use a multipronged developmental surveillance and monitoring protocol designed to identify children who may need comprehensive evaluation and intervention. Early intervention may reduce the need for costly special education services in the future and reduce comorbid conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189-194
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume181
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Funding

Supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01 DA16110 [to T.D., D.S., M.W.]). W.P. was supported by National Institute of Drug Abuse (T32 DA039772). The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

FundersFunder number
National Institutes of Health (NIH)R01 DA16110
National Institute on Drug AbuseT32DA039772

    Keywords

    • communication skills
    • developmental screening
    • disabilities
    • early childhood

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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