In Infants' Hands: Identification of Preverbal Infants at Risk for Primary Language Delay

• DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12610
• Publication Date: 2016-08-26T10:33:40Z
• Authors: Carina Lüke; Angela Grimminger; Katharina J. Rohl...; Ulf Liszkowski; Ute Ritterfeld
• Keywords: Language delay; Identification; Child Development

Early identification of primary language delay is crucial to implement effective prevention programs. Available screening instruments are based on parents' reports and have only insufficient predictive validity. This study employed observational measures preverbal infants' gestural communication test its validity for identifying later delays. Pointing behavior fifty‐nine 12‐month‐old infants was analyzed related their skills 1 year later. Results confirm with the hand shape pointing being superior compared underlying motives (imperative vs. declarative). Twelve‐month‐olds who pointed open but never index finger were at risk 2 years age.