As practitioners dedicated to creating optimal outcomes for children, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest research in our field. A recent systematic review titled "Efficacy, model of delivery, intensity and targets of pragmatic interventions for children with developmental language disorder: A systematic review" by Jensen de López et al. (2022) provides valuable insights into pragmatic interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). This blog post will highlight key findings from the review and discuss how practitioners can implement these insights to improve their therapeutic approaches.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The review examined 11 studies focused on pragmatic interventions for children with DLD, revealing significant variability in intervention intensity, delivery models, and targets. Despite this variability, several important conclusions can be drawn:
- Pragmatic interventions are feasible for all models of delivery, including individual, small group, and large group settings.
- Effective interventions often focus on encouraging conversation and narrative skills, frequently through parent-child interaction or shared book-reading activities.
- Both direct and indirect interventions can be effective, provided that indirect interventions are under the continuous supervision of a specialist.
Implementing Insights in Practice
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their therapeutic approaches. Here are some actionable steps:
1. Diversify Models of Delivery
Consider incorporating a variety of delivery models in your practice. Individual sessions allow for personalized attention, while small and large group settings can promote social interaction and peer learning. Tailor the model to the specific needs of each child.
2. Focus on Conversation and Narrative Skills
Encourage conversation and narrative skills through activities like shared book-reading and structured parent-child interactions. These activities can help children with DLD improve their pragmatic language skills in a naturalistic context.
3. Utilize Indirect Interventions
Indirect interventions, where parents or other non-specialists are trained to deliver the intervention under the supervision of a specialist, can be effective. Ensure that parents are motivated and well-supported throughout the process.
4. Measure and Adjust Intervention Intensity
Pay attention to the intensity of your interventions, including session length, frequency, and total duration. Adjust these parameters based on the child's progress and specific needs.
Encouraging Further Research
The systematic review also highlights the need for further research in this area. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to the growing body of evidence by documenting and sharing their intervention outcomes. This collaborative approach can help refine and improve pragmatic interventions for children with DLD.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Efficacy, model of delivery, intensity and targets of pragmatic interventions for children with developmental language disorder: A systematic review.
