The effectiveness of parent-implemented language interventions: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Early language development is crucial for children aged 18-60 months.
• Language impairments in early childhood can have long-term consequences.
• Parent involvement is increasingly recognized as a key component of early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the impact of parent-implemented language interventions on language skills.
• To assess effectiveness in children aged 18-60 months with primary and secondary language impairments.
• To analyze outcomes for children with and without intellectual disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of 18 studies meeting specific inclusion criteria.
• Calculation of effect sizes for 7 language outcome variables using a random effects model.
• Separate analyses based on outcome variables, comparison groups, and presence of intellectual disabilities.

Main Results:

• Parent-implemented interventions show a significant positive effect on receptive and expressive language skills.
• Effect sizes varied from -0.15 to 0.82, depending on the specific language outcome and comparison group.
• Interventions were effective for children with and without intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions:

• Parent-implemented language interventions are an effective strategy for early intervention in young children with language impairments.
• The findings support the integration of parent-implemented approaches into clinical practice.
• Further research should explore critical features of effective parent-implemented interventions.