In the field of speech-language pathology, the goal is always to maximize the potential outcomes for children. A recent study, "Preserving the Past: An Early Interview Improves Delayed Event Memory in Children With Intellectual Disabilities," offers critical insights into how early interviews can significantly enhance memory recall in children with intellectual disabilities (CWID). This blog will discuss the key findings of this research and provide actionable strategies for practitioners to implement these findings effectively.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 194 children, both typically developing (TD) and with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities, aged between 7-12 years. The researchers found that children who were interviewed shortly after experiencing an event provided more detailed, accurate, and less suggestible accounts when interviewed again after a delay. Specifically:
- Enhanced Recall: CWID who were interviewed early recalled more information and were more accurate in their later interviews compared to those who were not interviewed early.
- Reduced Suggestibility: Early interviews helped reduce the suggestibility of CWID, making their later accounts more reliable.
- Developmental Considerations: CWID with mild intellectual disabilities performed similarly to their TD mental age matches, whereas CWID with moderate disabilities performed less well but were still as accurate as their TD counterparts.
Actionable Strategies for Practitioners
Given these findings, practitioners can adopt the following strategies to improve outcomes for CWID:
- Conduct Early Interviews: Aim to interview children as soon as possible after an event. Early interviews can help reinforce memory and improve the quality of later recall.
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Employ open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. This approach minimizes the risk of introducing bias and enhances the accuracy of the information recalled.
- Tailor Interviews to Developmental Levels: Consider the child’s developmental level and severity of impairments when conducting interviews. For CWID, especially those with moderate disabilities, more scaffolding and support may be necessary.
- Train Interviewers: Ensure that interviewers are well-trained in evidence-based interviewing techniques. The use of structured protocols, such as the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol, can be particularly effective.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings of this study are promising, further research is essential to explore additional variables that may impact the effectiveness of early interviews. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by participating in or initiating studies that investigate other factors influencing memory recall in CWID.
Conclusion
Implementing early interviews is a data-driven strategy that can significantly improve the memory recall of children with intellectual disabilities. By incorporating these practices, practitioners can make a substantial difference in the lives of these children, ensuring their voices are heard accurately and reliably.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Preserving the Past: An Early Interview Improves Delayed Event Memory in Children With Intellectual Disabilities.
