As a speech-language pathologist, you are likely familiar with the myriad of challenges children with fluency difficulties face. Recent research titled Does Working-Memory Training Given to Reception-Class Children Improve the Speech of Children at Risk of Fluency Difficulty? offers promising insights into addressing these challenges through working-memory (WM) training.
Conducted by Howell et al., this study focused on reception-class children at high risk of fluency difficulties. The findings are particularly relevant for practitioners seeking data-driven methods to enhance speech fluency in young children.
Key Findings
- WM training significantly improved speech fluency in high-risk children, with effects lasting at least a week post-intervention.
- Phonological skills, measured through non-word repetition (NWR), improved in both high-risk and low-risk groups who received the training.
- Word-finding abilities remained unaffected by WM training, highlighting the specificity of the intervention's benefits.
Implementing WM Training in Practice
Given these outcomes, WM training can be a valuable addition to your therapeutic toolkit. Here are some steps to consider:
- Early Identification: Use screening procedures to identify children at high risk of fluency difficulties. This ensures timely intervention.
- Structured Training: Implement WM training sessions that involve both visual and verbal memory tasks. The study utilized a 2-week training period, which proved effective.
- Collaborative Approach: Work closely with educators to integrate WM training into the school curriculum. This ensures consistent support for the child.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess speech fluency and phonological skills to track improvements and make necessary adjustments to the intervention.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides compelling evidence for the efficacy of WM training, it also opens avenues for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the following:
- Long-term effects of WM training on speech fluency and academic performance.
- Adaptation of WM training for children with diverse language backgrounds.
- Combination of WM training with other therapeutic interventions for comprehensive support.
By incorporating these research findings into your practice, you can make a significant impact on the speech fluency and overall development of children at risk of fluency difficulties. Your dedication to data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practices will pave the way for better outcomes for these children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Does Working-Memory Training Given to Reception-Class Children Improve the Speech of Children at Risk of Fluency Difficulty?
