title: Observation of Spontaneous Expressive Language (OSEL): a new measure for spontaneous and expressive language of children with autism spectrum disorders and other communication disorders.
abstract: A new language measure, the Observation of Spontaneous Expressive Language (OSEL), is intended to document spontaneous use of syntax, pragmatics, and semantics in 2-12-year-old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other communication disorders with expressive language levels comparable to typical 2-5 year olds. Because the purpose of the OSEL is to provide developmental norms for use of language, the first step involves assessment of the scale's feasibility, validity, and reliability using a sample of 180 2-5 year-old typically developing children. Pilot data from the OSEL shows strong internal consistency, high reliabilities and validity. Once replicated with a large population-based sample and in special populations, the scale should be helpful in designing appropriate interventions for children with ASD and other communication disorders.
authors.affiliation: Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 40 Temple St. Suite 7-D, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA, so-hyun.kim@yale.edu.
authors.forename: So Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dörte
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Junker
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lord
mesh_terms: D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002663:Child Language; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D007804:Language Development; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D007807:Language Tests / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D015203:Reproducibility of Results