This SIG 1 Perspectives activity focuses on three types of language sample analysis (LSA) and best practices for conducting these utilizing the Computerized Language Analysis (CLAN), Systematic Analysis of Language Transcriptions (SALT), and Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised (SUGAR). The first article discusses how the CLAN can be utilized to provide thorough LSA and how the results can be utilized to structure therapy goals. The second article describes how SALT can assist with the accurate identification of children with language disorders and provides a toolkit to assist SLPs with providing a comprehensive language assessment. The final article provides step-by-step instructions on the use of SUGAR and how analysis can be used to both document the presence of a language impairment and to develop relevant intervention targets.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• download and install CLAN software to transcribe and perform LSA
• explain why language sample elicitation methods are appropriate and connect the measures to appropriate dimensions of discourse
• describe the SUGAR method and explain how the SUGAR method of LSA differs from other methods

Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

Articles in This Course

1. Assessment and Therapy Goal Planning Using Free Computerized Language Analysis Software by Nan Bernstein Ratner and Brian MacWhinney, published in SIG 1, Volume 8, Issue 1, February 8, 2023
2. Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts Solutions: A Tutorial by John Heilmann and Jon F. Miller, published in SIG 1, Volume 8, Issue 1, February 8, 2023
3. A Sweet Tutorial to the SUGAR Method of Language Sampling by Stacey L. Pavelko and Robert E. Owens Jr., published in SIG 1, Volume 8, Issue 1, February 8, 2023