The importance of effective social communication in young children cannot be overstated. Pragmatic language skills are crucial for children to navigate social interactions successfully. The study titled "Evaluating ‘Enhancing Pragmatic Language skills for Young children with Social communication impairments’ (E-PLAYS): a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial" presents promising data on the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the E-PLAYS intervention.
In this blog, we will explore the key findings of the study and how practitioners can leverage these insights to improve outcomes for children with social communication impairments.
Study Overview
The E-PLAYS intervention is a dyadic computer game designed to enhance collaborative and communication skills in children aged 4-7 years with social communication impairments. The feasibility study aimed to determine the practicality of implementing E-PLAYS in a National Health Service (NHS) setting, delivered by speech and language therapists (SLTs) and teaching assistants (TAs).
Key Findings
- Recruitment and Retention: Although the study aimed to recruit 70 children, 50 were enrolled, which was sufficient for feasibility purposes. Recruitment was primarily through SLTs examining their caseloads.
- Acceptability: E-PLAYS received high ratings from children, TAs, and SLTs. The game was well-received, and both children and TAs enjoyed the sessions.
- Intervention Fidelity: The study found that TAs could effectively deliver the intervention with minimal issues. The automatic recording of sessions ensured precise assessment of treatment delivery.
- Outcome Measures: Improvements in pragmatic language skills were observed, as measured by the Test of Pragmatic Skills (TPS) and other standardized tools.
- Cost-Effectiveness: E-PLAYS is a low-cost intervention, making it highly suitable for widespread use in schools and the NHS.
Implications for Practitioners
Based on the findings, practitioners can consider incorporating E-PLAYS into their intervention strategies. Here are some practical steps:
- Training: Ensure that TAs receive adequate training and support from SLTs to deliver the intervention effectively.
- Session Planning: Plan sessions to fit within the school timetable, aiming for one session per week.
- Monitoring Progress: Use standardized tools like the TPS to monitor improvements in pragmatic language skills.
- Collaboration: Encourage peer collaboration to enhance social communication skills further.
Encouraging Further Research
While the feasibility study shows promising results, a full-scale randomized controlled trial is warranted to assess the effectiveness of E-PLAYS comprehensively. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with ongoing research and consider participating in future studies to contribute to the growing evidence base.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluating ‘Enhancing Pragmatic Language skills for Young children with Social communication impairments’ (E-PLAYS): a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial.
