Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5): A Closer Look for Parents

When a young child is not talking as expected, parents often feel worried but unsure what to do next. The Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5) is a trusted, play-based assessment that helps speech-language specialists understand how a child listens, understands, and uses words. At OrbRom Center, we use Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5) to build a clear picture of your child’s communication strengths and needs, so support is targeted and meaningful.

What Is the Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5)?

The PLS-5 is a standardized language assessment designed for babies, toddlers, and young children. Instead of asking a child to “take a test” at a table, the speech therapist uses toys, pictures, and simple tasks to see how your child:

• Understands words, questions, and instructions

• Uses sounds, words, and sentences

• Interacts and communicates during everyday play

Because the Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5) is structured yet playful, it works well for shy children, active children, and those who find it difficult to sit still. It also helps us identify early speech and language delay so families can act before challenges grow bigger. You can read more about early signs in our article on speech and language delay in children.

What Does a PLS-5 Session Look Like at OrbRom Center?

At OrbRom Center, every assessment session is built around comfort and trust. A speech-language specialist welcomes your child and gradually introduces fun activities linked to the PLS-5 items. These may include:

• Looking at and pointing to pictures

• Following simple and then more complex instructions

• Naming objects, actions, or describing what they see

• Using gestures, sounds, or words to communicate needs

Throughout the session, we pay attention not only to the score, but also to how your child communicates in real situations. This goes hand-in-hand with what we share in our article on communication and language.

After the assessment, parents receive a clear explanation of results—no confusing jargon. We discuss how your child compares to age expectations, and what kind of support, if any, is recommended.

If you’d like to understand more generally how professionals use developmental tools, our resource on the importance of developmental assessments for young children offers a broader overview.

How PLS-5 Results Guide Therapy and School Decisions

The Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5) does more than produce a score. It helps answer questions that matter to families and teachers:

• Does my child have a language delay or disorder?

• What type of speech therapy activities will help most?

• What should teachers adjust in the classroom?

• How can we support communication at home?

At OrbRom Center, PLS-5 results inform our tailored Assessments and ongoing Speech Therapy plans. When needed, we may also recommend a broader developmental evaluation; you can learn more about that process in our developmental assessments guide and related resources on early assessment and support.

For many families, having a structured, evidence-based picture of their child’s language skills is the turning point—moving from worry and guesswork to a clear plan of action.

When Should Parents Consider PLS-5?

You may want to consider the Preschool Language Scales Fifth Edition (PLS-5) if:

• Your child speaks less than peers of a similar age

• Your child struggles to follow directions or answer simple questions

• Teachers or caregivers mention concerns about language or communication

• Your child is already being monitored for developmental differences

If these situations feel familiar, a formal language assessment can bring clarity. Our articles on developmental assessments and early language support explain why acting sooner leads to better long-term outcomes.

The final goal is simple: to ensure your child is understood, supported, and given the chance to thrive—at home, in school, and in the community.