Diagnostic Accuracy and Concurrent Validity of the Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin‐Comprehensive (Dream‐C) for Developmental Language Disorder in China

What is already known on the subject In English-speaking countries, well-established comprehensive language scales with robust validity and reliability standards have been extensively developed and utilised. Conversely, the profession of speech-language pathology is still emerging in mainland China. This situation has resulted in a significant shortage of standard, norm-referenced language assessments for children with language impairments. Among the limited tools available, the Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Comprehensive (DREAM-C) has stood out in recent years. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge In China, developmental-behavioural paediatricians often rely on comprehensive developmental scales to identify children at risk for developmental delay and to evaluate if a child's language development aligns with age expectations. Specialised language assessments, however, are not as commonly employed. This study investigates the evidence-based validity of the DREAM-C in comparison to traditional developmental scales for diagnosing children with DLD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications for this work? DREAM-C demonstrates diagnostic accuracy in identifying language impairments, which may support developmental-behavioural paediatricians and speech-language therapists establish an appropriate individual intervention plan for children in clinical practice.