Co-production with young people with developmental language disorder: Developing adapted materials for cognitive...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Developmental Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) experience higher rates of mental health issues.
• Traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) present accessibility barriers for individuals with DLD.
• Co-production, involving lived experience and practitioners, can enhance intervention accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt Experienced-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodologies for including young people with DLD.
• To modify psychoeducational videos for depression and anxiety, making them suitable for individuals with DLD.

Main Methods:

• A UK-based project team included adolescents with DLD, parents, practitioners, and researchers.
• A five-stage process involved recruitment, adaptation identification, concept selection, script/video development, and reflection.
• Meetings were modified with simplified language, visual aids, pre-meeting videos, and asynchronous tasks to ensure accessibility.

Main Results:

• Ten psychoeducational videos were co-produced with adaptations such as slowed pacing and simplified vocabulary.
• Participants found the co-production process inclusive, flexible, and the resulting materials more meaningful.
• Challenges included balancing input, managing feedback, and task demands, highlighting the need for researcher flexibility.

Conclusions:

• Co-production with young people with DLD and practitioners is feasible and beneficial with appropriate adaptations.
• The project yielded more accessible therapeutic materials for mental health support.
• This study provides a foundation for future research on co-production in mental health for individuals with DLD.