Peer Effects in Language Therapy for Preschoolers With Developmental Language Disorder: A Pilot Study
Mary Beth Schmitt1, Sherine Tambyraja2, Seham Siddiqui1
1Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|April 22, 2022
Summary
Preschoolers with developmental language disorder (DLD) showed greater language gains when participating in intervention sessions with peers who have typically developing language (TDL). This suggests peer interaction benefits language development.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects preschool children's language acquisition.
- Peer interaction is a potential factor influencing language development in children with DLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of including peers with typically developing language (TDL) in language intervention for preschool children with DLD.
- To determine if peer effects enhance language gains in children with DLD.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 20 preschool children with DLD randomly assigned to two conditions for 8 weeks of group language intervention.
- Experimental condition: intervention with a peer with TDL. Control condition: intervention with a peer with DLD.
- Blinded assessment of language (semantics, syntax, morphology, narrative) using pre- and posttest measures.
Main Results:
- All participants demonstrated language gains; no statistically significant differences were found between groups.
- Effect size estimates indicated an advantage for the experimental group in syntax, morphology, and narrative skills.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests children with DLD benefit from language intervention when paired with peers with TDL.
- Findings align with educational literature on the influence of peer skills on child development.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of peers for children with DLD.
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