Author(s)

Norah H. Alharbi

Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.

This scoping review synthesized research on interventions targeting behavior outcomes for preschool and primary-grade students with speech and language delays. The review aimed to inform research and practice on managing children’s behavior problems. A comprehensive search of databases and gray literature was conducted. Studies were included if they: a) included students ages 3 - 8 years with speech/language delays, b) assessed a speech/language or behavioral intervention, c) measured behavioral outcomes, and d) used an experimental or quasi-experimental design. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria (N = 1304 participants). Interventions targeting speech/language, behavior, and social communication skills were commonly used (n = 8 studies). Positive behavior changes were reported across studies, frequently coinciding with speech/language gains. Findings provide preliminary support for using interventions that integrate speech/language, behavioral, and social communication components to improve behaviors of young students with language disorders. Additional rigorous research is needed to establish more conclusive evidence.

Speech Delay, Language Delay, Challenging Behavior, Early Intervention, Scoping Review

Alharbi, N. (2024) The Effects of Interventions on Behavior Outcomes for Children with Speech and Language Delays: A Scoping Review. Creative Education, 15, 1297-1310. doi: 10.4236/ce.2024.157078.