Unlocking the Power of Telepractice: Improving Listening Comprehension for Children with Autism

The feasibility and initial efficacy of an adapted telepractice listening comprehension intervention for school-aged children with autism have been explored in recent research. This study, conducted by Henry et al. (2022), evaluated the Building Vocabulary and Early Reading Strategies (BVERS) program delivered remotely to 14 elementary-aged children with autism. Here, we discuss how practitioners can implement these findings to improve their skills and encourage further research in this area.

Key Findings from the Study

The study demonstrated that the BVERS intervention was feasible to implement remotely. Key findings include:

• High levels of parent satisfaction with intervention implementation.
• Significant growth in listening comprehension skills among participants.
• No significant growth in narrative retell or vocabulary.
• No group differences in change scores from pre- to post-test.

Practical Applications for Practitioners

Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their telepractice services. Here are some practical steps:

• Implement Structured Interventions: Use structured and scripted interventions like BVERS to ensure consistency and effectiveness in remote settings.
• Engage Parents: Incorporate a parent-mediated component to reinforce learning. Provide training and resources to parents to conduct supplemental read-alouds.
• Utilize Visual Supports: Increase visual supports and use props to maintain engagement and support comprehension during remote sessions.
• Monitor Progress: Use standardized assessments to monitor growth in listening comprehension and adjust interventions as needed.

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to:

• Explore the long-term effects of telepractice interventions on various language skills.
• Investigate the impact of different levels of parent involvement on child outcomes.
• Examine the feasibility and efficacy of similar interventions with larger and more diverse samples.

Conclusion

The study by Henry et al. (2022) highlights the potential of telepractice interventions in improving listening comprehension for children with autism. By implementing structured interventions, engaging parents, and utilizing visual supports, practitioners can create better outcomes for their clients. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Feasibility and Initial Efficacy of an Adapted Telepractice Listening Comprehension Intervention for School-Aged Children with Autism.