London Speech and Language Centre

Screening tests are designed to provide quick estimates of communication functioning. They do not replace thorough Speech-Language Pathology assessments. Rather, screening tests can be used to determine the need for additional in depth testing by a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Are you concerned about your child's speech and language skills? Are your child's difficulties appropriate for his/her age? Does your child need to see a Speech-Language Pathologist for testing? Use our screening tests to find out.

Pick a problem category (i.e. stuttering or articulation), or your child's age range, then click on the appropriate link at the top of this page and fill in the questionnaire. Your child's communication score will be tallied and you will get general information on whether or not you need to seek further advice. Remember, these screening tests provide quick estimations and general information only. If you continue to be concerned about your child's skills, consult a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Warning signals, indicating the need for a referral to a speech-language and/or hearing assessment might include:

By 8 months	does not coo, babble or laugh does not smile or respond to familiar faces does not startle to loud/sudden noises or turn towards a sound
By 12 months	does not try to imitate sounds and actions in turn taking games does not try to understand simple phrases like "come here" does not try to attract your attention using sounds or gestures
By 18 months	does not use at least 10 words does not follow simple instructions does not point to an object when you name it
By 24 months	does not attempt to communicate does not have a vocabulary of at least 20 words does not use 2 word combinations like "my hat" does not use common objects for intended purposes in pretend play
By 3 years (jump to tests for 3-3½ )	does not use short phrases to communicate such as "I want my mommy" or "That's my truck" is not understood most of the time does not have a vocabulary of 100-200 words is frustrated or withdrawn because of difficulties communicating
By 4 years (jump to tests for 3-3½ 3½-4 4-5)	does not sit and listen to a story for 5 minutes does not speak using almost adult-like grammar and pronunciation
Any child (jump to tests for stuttering articulation)	who has a hoarse voice or abnormal voice quality with a pronunciation problem and/or a history of ear infections with a high-risk history or diagnosis such as Cerebral Palsy, cleft lip/palate, Down Syndrome who is stuttering if the parents have any concerns regarding speech/language/hearing development whose play or social interaction seems inappropriate

Provided by The Ontario Association of Speech-Language Pathologists-Audiologists (OSLA)

If you have any feedback on our Screening Tests, would like to meet with a Speech-Language Pathologist or send us any other comments, please use our on-line feedback form.