In the field of special education and therapy, understanding the nuances of verbal interactions between parents and children can significantly impact the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The research paper titled The Effect of Training Procedures on Mother-to-child Verbal Statement by Mary Anne Witzel and Hetty Jane McWilliams offers valuable insights into how structured training can enhance positive verbal interactions between mothers and their children, particularly those with cleft lip and/or palate.
The study involved five mothers of preschool children with cleft lip and/or palate, focusing on the impact of training procedures on their verbal statements. Using the "Interaction Process Analysis Scale," the research demonstrated a significant increase in positive verbal interactions post-training. This finding is crucial for practitioners who aim to foster a supportive and communicative environment for children with speech and language delays.
Key Takeaways from the Research
- Positive Verbal Statements: The study showed a marked increase in the proportion of positive verbal statements from mothers after undergoing training. This included statements that encouraged mutual respect, verbal output, and acceptance of the child's feelings and ideas.
- Training Procedures: The training involved five two-hour weekly sessions where mothers were educated on the Interaction Process Analysis Scale. They practiced with different children and analyzed their verbal interactions, which helped them internalize positive communication techniques.
- Impact on Children: Positive verbal interactions were found to stimulate children's verbal output and foster a more supportive communication environment, which is essential for children with speech and language delays.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
For practitioners working with children who have speech and language delays, incorporating the findings of this research into your practice can be highly beneficial. Here are some practical steps to implement:
- Parent Training: Organize training sessions for parents using the Interaction Process Analysis Scale. Educate them on the importance of positive verbal interactions and provide them with practical tools to improve their communication with their children.
- Role-Playing: Include role-playing exercises where parents can practice positive verbal interactions in a controlled environment. This can help them feel more confident and prepared to apply these techniques at home.
- Ongoing Support: Offer continuous support and feedback to parents. Regular follow-up sessions can help reinforce positive communication strategies and address any challenges they may encounter.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings of this study are promising, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of training on parent-child verbal interactions. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support additional research to expand our understanding of effective communication strategies for children with speech and language delays.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Effect of Training Procedures on Mother-to-child Verbal Statement.
