Article

Aim To identify the use and utility of language comprehension tests for
unintelligible or non-speaking children with severe cerebral palsy (CP). Method
Severe CP was defined as severe dysarthria (unintelligible speech) or anarthria
(absence of speech) combined with severe limited mobility, corresponding to Gross
Motor Function Classification System levels IV to V.
An electronic search in the
databases of PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase, and CINAHL was made of studies published
between January 1965 and December 2008. Indexing terms and free-text terms for
'cerebral palsy', 'language', and 'instrumentation' were used. Studies were
included when (1) the focus was to investigate comprehension of spoken language
of children (0-18y) with severe CP, and (2) language tests were described.
Results Twelve standardized tests and five experimental instruments were
identified. All standardized tests were developed for children without limited
mobility. Only the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test - Revised was frequently used
and feasible for older children with severe CP (>9y).
The other tests were used
occasionally. To establish utility, adaptations of standardized test procedures
were necessary. Interpretation Language comprehension tests for children with
severe CP are scarce. A language comprehension test specifically designed for
these children is warranted. Cite this as: Dev Med Child Neurol 52: e267-e277.
CI - (c) The Authors. Journal compilation (c) Mac Keith Press 2010.

Langue : ANGLAIS