Validity of the Communication Function Classification System for use with preschool children with communication disorders

AimTo evaluate construct and predictive validity of the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) for use with preschool children with a range of speech and language disorders.MethodSeventy‐seven preschool children with speech and language disorders (50 males, 27 females; mean 2y 7mo, standard deviation [SD] 1y) participated in this cohort study. Preschool children had speech and language, language‐only, or speech‐only disorders. Together with parent input, speech–language pathologists (SLPs) completed the CFCS at time 1. Parents and SLPs then independently completed a validated change‐detecting functional communication outcome measure, the Focus on the outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS), three times: at assessment (time 1), at the start of treatment (time 2), and at the end of treatment (time 3).ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between CFCS classifications and FOCUS scores at all three measurement points for the ratings by both parents and SLPs (correlations ranged from −0.60 to −0.76). As expected, no correlations between CFCS classifications and FOCUS change scores were statistically significant.InterpretationThis study provides evidence of construct and predictive validity of the CFCS, demonstrating its value as a discriminative tool for use with preschool children with a range of speech and language disorders.

Validity of the Communication Function Classification System for use with preschool children with communication disorders Journal Articles