This thematic review assesses the effectiveness and applications of the Children’s Communication Checklist (CCC) and its revised version, CCC-2, as diagnostic tools for identifying communication disorders in children. The review synthesizes findings from 39 studies, highlighting seven main themes: the evolution of the CCC, its diagnostic utility, strengths and limitations, adaptation to specific populations, translation across languages, different application formats, and its role in identifying pragmatic language impairments (PLIs). The CCC has shown effectiveness across various settings, languages, and populations, including children with autism spectrum disorders and specific language impairments, facilitating a detailed analysis of pragmatic language difficulties that standard tests may overlook.
Although generally effective, the CCC also has limitations, including potential biases in subjective assessments and cultural sensitivity issues. The review suggests the checklist’s strong diagnostic potential and adaptability to diverse languages and clinical contexts, contributing significantly to the field of pediatric communication disorders. It advocates for further research and refinement to enhance diagnostic precision and applicability across cultural boundaries, emphasizing the CCC’s growing role in early identification and intervention for children with communication challenges.