Het effect van een fonologische groepsinterventie op de spraakontwikkeling van peuters met expressieve TOS

Abstract

Background Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Speech Sound Disorder are often diagnosed together in young children. In special treatment groups for expressive DLD, the current treatment consists of an intervention for groups targeting language development. However, it may also be important to include phonological treatment in a group intervention for young children with expressive DLD and SSD. Research on effects on the speech production of such intervention is insufficient.

Aim To examine the effect of a combined group intervention targeting language and speech in comparison to groep intervention with only language on speech production skills in young children with expressive DLD.

Method 42 preschool children with expressive DLD in special treatment groups of Royal Kentalis participated in an intervention study with 3 measurements (pre-, intermediate- and posttest). The children are divided in a control group, which involves a care-as-usual language group intervention, and an intervention group, who received a language intervention, yet two group sessions were substituted for a group speech intervention. Five group sessions per week were administered for 16 weeks. Primary outcome measurements to gain understanding of the speech production included percentage of consonants correct Revised (PCC-R) and phonological mean length of utterance (PMLU).

Results All children showed significant improvements in PCC-R and PMLU. The mean change between groups did not show significant differences in speech production.

Conclusion A group intervention targeting language, or speech and language show positive results on the speech production of children with DLD-E in special treatment groups of Royal Kentalis.