Early communication skills develop rapidly during the first few years of life. Many parents wonder whether their child’s speech and language development is progressing as expected. One helpful tool that can give a snapshot of your child’s early communication is the OZI-SF (Australian English Communicative Development Inventory – Short Form).
WHAT IS THE OZI-SF?
The OZI-SF is an online checklist designed for parents of Australian children aged 12–30 months. It allows parents to report the words their child understands or says, along with gestures and everyday communication behaviours.
The tool was developed by researchers at Western Sydney University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and is based on the well-established MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, which are widely used internationally to study early language development.
The short-form version was created to make the tool faster and easier for families to complete, while still providing meaningful information about early communication development.
WHAT DOES THE CHECKLIST INCLUDE?
The OZI-SF includes several sections that capture different aspects of early communication:
- 100 everyday words to track early vocabulary
- 12 gestures (such as pointing, waving or showing objects)
- 6 games or routines that reflect early social communication
- Questions about word combinations and sentence length
Together, these areas provide a snapshot of your child’s communication profile during the toddler years.
Most parents complete the checklist in around 10–15 minutes.
WHY DO SPEECHIES USE TOOLS LIKE THE OZI-SF?
Early communication skills such as gestures, vocabulary and word combinations are important building blocks for later language, literacy and learning.
Tools like the OZI-SF can help to:
- Track vocabulary growth over time
- Monitor early communication milestones
- Identify potential difficulties earlier
- Provide helpful information to share with a GP, child health nurse, or speech pathologist
Research shows that parent-report checklists can be a reliable way to capture early vocabulary and communication development, because parents observe their child’s communication across many everyday situations.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COMPLETING THE SURVEY?
After completing the OZI-SF, parents receive a summary of their child’s communication skills compared with typical development for their age.
It is important to remember that the OZI-SF is not a diagnostic assessment. Instead, it provides a quick overview that can help families decide whether they may want to seek further advice or support.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication skills, it is always a good idea to speak with a speech pathologist or your child’s health professional.
WHERE CAN YOU ACCESS THE OZI-SF
Parents can complete the checklist online here:
Take the OZI‑SF Communication Checklist
The survey is free and designed specifically for Australian families with toddlers aged 12–30 months.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER SEEKING SUPPORT?
Every child develops at their own pace. However, it may be helpful to speak with a speech pathologist if your toddler:
- Uses very few words for their age
- Rarely uses gestures such as pointing or waving
- Has difficulty understanding simple words or instructions
- Is not starting to combine two words by around 2 years old
Early support can make a significant difference in helping children build strong communication foundations.
