In the field of speech-language pathology, data-driven decisions are essential for improving outcomes for children. The study titled "Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the Milestones en français du Québec, a New Language Screener for French-Speaking Children Between 12 and 71 Months" provides valuable insights into a new screening tool designed for French-speaking children. This blog will discuss how practitioners can implement the findings of this research to enhance their screening processes and encourage further research.
Understanding the Milestones en français du Québec (MilBec)
The MilBec is a parent questionnaire designed to screen for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) in French-speaking children aged 12 to 71 months. The tool was developed by adapting a 26-item Dutch questionnaire, which involved translation, adaptation, and the addition of items relevant to the French language. The final version consists of 39 items targeting various language domains, including expressive and receptive vocabulary, syntax, narrative abilities, and pre-reading skills.
Key Findings from the Study
The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving parents of 85 monolingual French-speaking children. The key findings include:
- High correlation between MilBec scores and age for children aged 12 to 39 months (r = .92, p < .001) and a moderate correlation for children aged 40 to 71 months (r = .60, p < .001).
- High internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .967), indicating that the questionnaire reliably measures language development.
- A ceiling effect observed for children aged 5 years, suggesting that the tool is more sensitive for younger children.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their screening processes in several ways:
- Early Identification: The high correlation between age and MilBec scores for younger children underscores the tool's effectiveness in early identification of DLD. Practitioners should prioritize using the MilBec for children under 40 months to ensure timely intervention.
- Parental Involvement: The MilBec's reliance on parent-reported data highlights the importance of involving parents in the screening process. Practitioners should provide clear instructions and support to parents to ensure accurate reporting.
- Continuous Monitoring: Given the ceiling effect observed for older children, practitioners should consider supplementing the MilBec with additional assessments for children over 40 months to capture more advanced language skills.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for further research to validate the MilBec's screening accuracy across diverse populations, including children from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and bilingual children. Practitioners and researchers should collaborate to conduct larger-scale studies that explore these aspects and refine the tool's sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusion
The Milestones en français du Québec offers a promising tool for early identification of Developmental Language Disorder in French-speaking children. By implementing the findings of this research, practitioners can enhance their screening processes and contribute to better outcomes for children. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Investigation of the Psychometric Properties of the Milestones en français du Québec, a New Language Screener for French-Speaking Children Between 12 and 71 Months.
