The Listening Inventory (TLI) by Donna Geffner, Ph.D., and Deborah Ross-Swain, Ed.D. Listening is crucial to learning and communicating. And now it can be assessed---quickly, accurately, and early in a child's school years. Appropriate for ages 4 through 17, The Listening Inventory (TLI) identifies youngsters who may be at risk for auditory processing disorders. It is especially useful in kindergarten and primary grades, where test results can prompt and guide early intervention efforts. The TLI is an informal behavior observation scale typically completed by parents, teachers, or speech-language pathologists. It quantifies specific behaviors that are associated with listening problems, giving you an objective, initial look at a child's auditory processing skills. The clear picture it provides can identify those who may need further diagnostic testing. Composed of 103 statements rated on a 5-point response scale, the TLI assesses behaviors in six categories: Linguistic Organization Decoding/Language Mechanics Attention/Organization Sensory/Motor Social/Behavioral Auditory Processes Completed in just 15 minutes, the test generates Index Scores for each of the categories assessed. These Index Scores are compared to criterion-based cutoff points to determine clinical significance. A convenient, graphic Profile Form simplifies this process. Speech-language pathologists can use TLI results to: Identify those at risk for auditory processing disorders Differentiate listening problems from common coexisting conditions Make referral decisions Monitor the effects of intervention Determine the impact of asthma, otitis media with effusion, and other disorders that affect hearing Quick and cost-effective, the TLI is ideal for routine screening. It can be the first step in identifying and remediating auditory problems that affect literacy and academic achievement.