Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of speech-language pathology, the quest for effective interventions is crucial, especially for young children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). A groundbreaking study titled "Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis: A Pilot Telepractice Parent Training Study for Toddlers with Clefts" offers promising insights into telepractice as a viable model for parent training. This blog explores the study's findings and their implications for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and outcomes for children with CL/P.
The Study: A Closer Look
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of training caregivers to use Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis (EMT + PE) strategies via telepractice. The research involved three mother-child dyads, with children aged 21 to 27 months, all diagnosed with CL/P. A non-cleft twin served as a normative comparison. The study employed a multiple baseline design across parent behaviors, with a focus on parent strategy use and child speech and language outcomes.
Key Findings
- Parent Training Success: Parents demonstrated significant increases in their use of EMT + PE strategies during telepractice sessions, with sustained use even after direct coaching ceased.
- Child Outcomes: Children showed improved speech production, increased talking rates, and expanded expressive vocabularies.
- Telepractice Viability: The study confirmed that telepractice is an effective delivery model for training parents in speech and language facilitation strategies.
Implications for Practitioners
For speech-language pathologists, these findings underscore the potential of telepractice as a flexible and effective method for delivering early intervention. Here are some practical takeaways:
- Embrace Telepractice: Consider integrating telepractice into your service delivery model, especially for families who may face barriers to accessing traditional in-person therapy.
- Focus on Parent Training: Equip parents with the tools and strategies to facilitate their child's speech and language development, empowering them to be active participants in the intervention process.
- Utilize EMT + PE Strategies: Incorporate Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis into your intervention repertoire to address both vocabulary and speech targets simultaneously.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of telepractice in early intervention, further research is essential. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional studies and contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting innovative intervention models.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis: A Pilot Telepractice Parent Training Study for Toddlers with Clefts.
