This study aimed to review communication-related developmental domains in infants and toddlers aged 12 to 35 months and to develop a parent-report screening instrument (CDST) capable of identifying early risks in developmental and communication skills...
This study aimed to review communication-related developmental domains in infants and toddlers aged 12 to 35 months and to develop a parent-report screening instrument (CDST) capable of identifying early risks in developmental and communication skills. The research procedure proceeded as follows. First, standardized developmental assessments and domestic and international developmental milestones were analyzed, after which a needs assessment was conducted with speech-language pathologists to determine the core domains of the screening tool. Four domains were established—receptive language, expressive language, gestures and play, and feeding/swallowing—and four age bands were constructed: 12–17, 18–23, 24–29, and 30–35 months. Based on prior assessments and developmental milestones, 113 preliminary items were extracted, and 109 items were retained following expert content validity and face-validity review.
A parent survey was then conducted using the second set of items, and the appropriateness of the instrument was evaluated through factor analysis, construct validity, reliability analyses, and correlation testing. The results demonstrated significant interrelationships among receptive language, expressive language, gestures and play, and feeding/swallowing, confirming adequate validity and reliability. A total of 105 final items were derived, suggesting that the developed tool functions as a multidimensional screening instrument capable of capturing various aspects of early developmental and communication abilities. Moreover, because the tool is designed as a parent-report measure, it enables assessment of everyday behaviors that may be difficult to observe directly in clinical settings, thus enhancing its practical applicability.
Overall, this study provides academic and clinical value by establishing a foundational screening system that facilitates early identification of infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays and connects them to comprehensive professional evaluation.