Bottom Line: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children 5 years or younger without signs or symptoms. Speech and language delays and disorders can pose significant problems for children and their families. Evidence suggests that school-aged children with speech or language delays may be at increased risk of learning and literacy disabilities, including difficulties with reading and writing. The USPSTF routinely makes recommendations about the effectiveness of preventive care services and this updated recommendation is consistent with its 2015 recommendation on screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children 5 years or younger.
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(doi:10.1001/jama.2023.26952)
