A Customised, Intensive Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children With Down Syndrome: Findings From a Real-World...

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Therapy
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is crucial for early communication intervention in children with Down syndrome.
• Evidence for PCIT's impact on child language outcomes is limited, with intensive, individualized approaches showing promise.
• Under-resourced services in Ireland often provide less than optimal intervention dosages for these children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive PCIT intervention using a structured coaching protocol in a real-world clinical setting.
• To explore speech and language therapists' (SLTs) and parents' views and experiences of the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study employed a multiple baseline, individual case series design with four parent-child dyads.
• An 11-week, twice-weekly hybrid (in-person/tele-practice) intervention incorporated keyword signing (JEMT + Sign) with a 'teach-model-coach-review' protocol.
• Parental strategies and child communication acts were coded, and parent/practitioner interviews were conducted.

Main Results:

• Parental strategy accuracy and, for some, frequency of JEMT + Sign use increased, with individual variability observed.
• Child language and communication improvements were variable.
• Clinicians found the structured coaching protocol effective and the intervention suitable for specific families, while parents valued the intensive, individualized approach and flexible delivery.

Conclusions:

• The intensive intervention was feasible in an Irish clinical setting for children with Down syndrome.
• Parents and SLTs found the intervention valuable, citing the hybrid delivery and coaching methods as beneficial.
• Further research is required to assess long-term effects and suitability for broader populations.