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

The focus of a screening procedure in speech-language pathology is primarily to identify individuals who may require further assessment. This process is designed to quickly and efficiently evaluate a large group of individuals to determine if further, more comprehensive evaluation is necessary. Screenings are typically brief and are not intended to provide an in-depth analysis of an individual's communication abilities; rather, they serve as a preliminary step to pinpoint those who may have speech or language impairments.

The purpose of screening is to act as an early intervention measure, allowing professionals to refer individuals for more extensive assessments where needed. This could involve standardized testing or more thorough evaluations by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

In contrast, a comprehensive evaluation is intended for a detailed understanding of communication needs, eligibility determinations require a different process involving specific criteria, and severity assessments are typically conducted as part of a more extensive diagnostic procedure once an individual has been referred for further evaluation.