Developing a new measure of language understanding: The UK C-BiLLT V1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Validation of a UK low motor assessment of children's language comprehension – The UK C-BiLLT

  • IRAS ID

    280446

  • Contact name

    Lindsay Pennington

  • Contact email

    lindsay.pennington@ncl.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 7 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Background
    Children with movement problems, such as cerebral palsy, often have severe difficulties with speech and gestures. Some also have difficulties understanding spoken language. Determining these children’s level of language comprehension is challenging because current tests require children to point to pictures or handle toys in response to questions, such as ‘where is the black dog?’ Speech and language therapists therefore often assess children’s understanding in play, which can over or under-estimate their understanding and lead to inappropriate therapy and education.

    Objectives
    This project will create a UK version of a computerised assessment of language comprehension designed specifically for young children with severe movement problems, which has been developed in The Netherlands. The assessment is called C-BiLLT.
    We will create the questions for the UK version of the C-BiLLT. Typically developing children aged 1.5 to 7.5 years will try the assessment, to show the range of ages at which children usually respond correctly to each question. Children with movement and communication difficulties who use different methods of controlling computers will try the system to test how easy it is to use.

    Clinical benefits
    Currently there is no validated, standardised assessment of language comprehension for young children in UK with severe movement and speech difficulties who cannot answer conventional language tests. The UK C-BiLLT will address this critical gap, providing an accurate assessment of language comprehension for young children with severe speech and motor problems. This information is vital for accurate, individualised therapy and education planning.

  • REC name

    North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/NE/0181

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Jul 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion