Validation of a Paediatric Speech and Language Screening (RALF)

Abstract

Background/Aims: This study aims to analyse psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese Paediatric Speech and Language Screening (RALF) test. Methods: 202 Portuguese children aged 3; 0–5; 11 were recruited from 4 kindergartens participating in this study. Reliability and validity (sensitivity and specificity) data were obtained and analysed. Results: Content validity, analysed by an expert panel (general practitioner, kindergarten, teacher, nurse, and speech and language pathologist) revealed that the items were representative and relevant for the content the instrument intends to measure. Sensitivity values were 95, 96, and 83% and specificity values were 85, 84, and 71% for the age groups 3; 0–3; 11, 4; 0–4; 11, and 5; 0–5; 11, respectively. Internal consistency, calculated through Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.7, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively. The inter-judge reliability (interclass correlation coefficient) was 0.951. The results ensure the content validity of RALF. Sensitivity and specificity values revealed that RALF could discriminate typical from disordered speech-language developing children. RALF also presented good internal consistency and excellent reliability. Conclusion: RALF is a reliable and valid screening instrument that health and educational professionals can use in Portuguese children to identify children who may need a speech-language diagnosis for consideration or referral to speech therapy services.