A clinical method of assessing speech and language development in preschool children is described. Children (62, 3 yr old) were assessed by a pediatrician, a speech therapist and a psychologist. In 55 children there was agreement between all 3 examiners. Three children with articulation problems were rated as having normal comprehensive and expressive language by the psychologist. Three children were rated as having normal speech and language development by the pediatrician and speech therapist but delayed by the psychologist; all 3 had behavior problems. One child rated as having a speech and language problem by the pediatrician was rated as normal by the speech therapist and psychologist. Pediatricians can make reliable assessments of speech and language development.