What is the purpose of a screening in speech-language pathology?

The purpose of a screening in speech-language pathology is primarily to determine if further evaluation is necessary for potential communication disorders. Screenings are brief assessments designed to identify individuals who may be at risk for speech or language issues and who would benefit from a more comprehensive evaluation. They are typically quick, do not provide a definitive diagnosis, but rather help professionals decide if an in-depth assessment is warranted.

In contrast, providing a final diagnosis is not the role of a screening; this requires a comprehensive evaluation. Similarly, establishing treatment goals and measuring therapy effectiveness occur after a diagnosis has been made and a treatment plan is in place, making these options unrelated to the initial purpose of screening. Thus, screenings serve as an initial step in the process of diagnosing and treating communication disorders, acting as an important tool for early identification and intervention.