When assessing a child's language production using MLU, what type of data does the SLP focus on?

In assessing a child's language production using Mean Length of Utterance (MLU), the focus is on the variety and complexity of morphological and syntactic structures. MLU provides a quantitative measure of the average number of morphemes in a child's utterances, which reflects their linguistic development. By analyzing the morphological and syntactic components, the SLP can gain insights into a child's language abilities, including their comprehension and production of complex sentences. This measure helps to determine how well a child is using language in terms of grammar and structure, which are essential elements for effective communication.

Focusing on aspects like variety and complexity allows the SLP to identify typical developmental milestones in language acquisition. This is critical for making informed decisions regarding any necessary interventions or supports.