SNEL stands for Speech and Language Standards First Line.

It is a questionnaire designed specifically to understand your child’s language development. The SNEL questionnaire consists of 14 questions that follow the milestones of normal language development. You can easily print out the completed questionnaire and take it with you to the doctor or nurse at the health clinic or to the speech therapist. The results can also be kept in your child’s growth notebook for future reference.

How does the SNEL test work?

Using the FAST test is simple and straightforward. Just follow the steps below:

1. Go to the FAST test.
2. Select your child’s age range (in months).
3. Read each question carefully and answer“Yes” or“No.
4. Did you answer two questions with‘No‘? Then you will automatically see the result at the bottom of the screen under ‘Results’.
5. Do you want to run the test again? Press the Restart test button.

Standards and results

Based on the questionnaire responses, there are several possible outcomes:

• No details: Your child’s language development is progressing according to normal expectations.
• Consult your consulting physician or family doctor: This advice applies if language development may be lagging. They may refer you to a speech therapist.
• Ask for a preventive speech therapist: The preventive speech therapist can get a good picture of your child’s speech and language development through observation and/or brief examination. You can ask for this advice at the child’s counseling office or preschool. An examination by a preventive speech therapist does not require a referral letter from the family doctor.

Any doubts or questions?

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s language development, it is always wise to consult with an expert, such as a doctor or speech therapist. They can help you take the right steps for your child’s continued development.