Language and communication issues are not uncommon in young children, and identifying them as early as possible may help the child’s overall social and academic development. Two studies from Uppsala University show screening tools are effective in identifying early communication issues in children as young as eighteen months. In that study, parents provided much of the information. Information for the second study was obtained by nurses of four-year olds. Even in the youngest children, the checklist led to a screening rate of more than ninety percent. Researchers say using effective screening tools early can make a big difference in giving children with delayed language development the support they need.