On the CE report specific to a language assessment, the CE provider will provide data
about the child’s level of functioning and the following, as appropriate:
a. Administer a current, standardized, comprehensive language battery that is appropriate
for the child’s age (such as the Preschool Language Scale-5). “Current” means the
most recently published version of the test instrument. The test report should:
-
1.
State the full title of the test(s) and include the test and subtest means and standard
deviations.
-
2.
List the child’s total language standard score (SS), area composite SSs, or age equivalents
when SSs are not available.
-
3.
Indicate when the child’s score falls below the lowest SS provided.
-
4.
State whether the test results are a true representation of the child’s capabilities
given his or her cooperation, interest, attention and concentration.
NOTE: Our general expectation is that the transition to using the latest version of a test
occurs no more than one year after publication.
b. Supplement formal test results with a parent report instrument (such as the MacArthur-Bates
Communicative Development Inventories).
c. Document clinical observations and descriptions of the child’s:
-
1.
Typical mode of communication (for example, uses gesture only, uses verbalization
only, uses a combination of gesture and spoken language and, if so, what percentage
of time for each).
-
2.
Use of gestures (such as communicative pointing or showing objects).
-
3.
Ability to initiate and maintain social gaze or eye contact, joint attention, and
turn-taking.
-
4.
Mean length of utterances (MLU). Obtain a language sample of at least 20 utterances,
if possible, and then determine the MLU (in terms of morphemes, not words).
-
5.
Total number of words and word approximations in expressive vocabulary (regardless
of clarity).
-
6.
Frequency and type (novel, stereotypic) of multi-word utterances.
-
7.
Range of communicative intentions (such as labeling, requesting, or socializing).
d. Document relevant information obtained through parent or caregiver report regarding
the child’s language understanding and production.
e. Compare the child’s receptive and expressive language skills to those of typically
developing, same-age peers, using substantive descriptions (versus a general, single
statement of age-appropriateness) and provide examples.
NOTE: The CE will provide any other pertinent information and observations that may be
helpful in evaluating the child (for example, include information on the child’s level
of cooperation, compliance, and social interaction).