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In Infants' Hands: Identification of Preverbal Infants at Risk for Primary Language Delay
Author(s) -
Lüke Carina,
Grimminger Angela,
Rohlfing Katharina J.,
Liszkowski Ulf,
Ritterfeld Ute
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
child development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1467-8624
pISSN - 0009-3920
DOI - 10.1111/cdev.12610
Subject(s) - psychology , identification (biology) , language development , developmental psychology , language delay , child development , language acquisition , cognitive psychology , mathematics education , botany , biology
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 of preverbal infants' gestural communication to test its predictive validity for identifying later language delays. Pointing behavior of fifty‐nine 12‐month‐old infants was analyzed and related to their language skills 1 year later. Results confirm predictive validity of preverbal communication for language skills with the hand shape of pointing being superior compared to the underlying motives for pointing (imperative vs. declarative). Twelve‐month‐olds who pointed only with their open hand but never with their index finger were at risk for primary language delay at 2 years of age.