Journal Article

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Predictors of Expressive-Language Outcomes Among Late Talkers

Fisher, Evelyn L.

2017

Overview

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the literature on predictors of outcomes among late talkers using systematic review and meta-analysis methods. We sought to answer the question: What factors predict preschool-age expressive-language outcomes among late-talking toddlers? Method: We entered carefully selected search terms into the following electronic databases: Communication & Mass Media Complete, ERIC, Medline, PsycEXTRA, Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, and PsycINFO. We conducted a separate, random-effects model meta-analysis for each individual predictor that was used in a minimum of 5 studies. We also tested potential moderators of the relationship between predictors and outcomes using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Last, we conducted publication-bias and sensitivity analyses. Results: We identified 20 samples, comprising 2,134 children, in a systematic review. According to the results of the meta-analyses, significant predictors of expressive-language outcomes included toddlerhood expressive-vocabulary size, receptive language, and socioeconomic status. Nonsignificant predictors included phrase speech, gender, and family history. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first synthesis of the literature on predictors of outcomes among late talkers using meta-analysis. Our findings clarify the contributions of several constructs to outcomes and highlight the importance of early receptive language to expressive-language development.

• Publisher: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Subject: Analysis / Behavioral sciences / Child development / Child, Preschool / Control Groups / Delayed language acquisition / Delayed Speech / Expressive Language / Family Influence / Gender Differences / Health aspects / Humans / Language / Language Acquisition / Language Development Disorders - diagnosis / Language Development Disorders - epidemiology / Language Development Disorders - psychology / Language disorders / Language Impairments / Language Skills / Late talkers / Literary criticism / Literature Reviews / Mass media / Mass media effects / Meta Analysis / Moderators / Predictor Variables / Preschool Children / Prognosis / Psychological aspects / Receptive Language / Socioeconomic factors / Socioeconomic Status / Speech / Speech Communication / Systematic review / Talking / Toddlers / Vocabulary / Vocabulary Development / Vocabulary size