USPSTF: Evidence Lacking to Screen for Speech Delay in Young Kids

There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits and harms of screening for speech and language delay and disorders in young children, according to a draft recommendation statement published by the US Preventive Services Task Force. Cynthia Feltner, MD, MPH, and colleagues conducted a systematic review of the evidence on screening for speech and language delay or disorders in children aged 5 and younger across 38 studies with a total of 9,006 participants. No studies evaluated the direct benefits of screening versus no screening. In 21 studies, the accuracy of 23 instruments for detecting speech and language disorders was assessed, with wide variations in sensitivity and specificity. No studies reported on the benefits and harms of screening versus no screening or on potential harms of interventions. The draft recommendation applies to asymptomatic children aged 5 years and younger whose parents or clinicians do not have specific concerns about speech or language.