TITLE:
The Effects of Interventions on Behavior Outcomes for Children with Speech and Language Delays: A Scoping Review
AUTHORS:
Norah H. Alharbi
KEYWORDS:
Speech Delay, Language Delay, Challenging Behavior, Early Intervention, Scoping Review
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.15 No.7,
July
11,
2024
ABSTRACT: 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.