As a practitioner passionate about creating great outcomes for children, it is essential to stay updated with the latest research. One notable study, A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Play-Based, Peer-Mediated Pragmatic Language Intervention for Children With Autism, offers valuable insights into enhancing pragmatic language in children with autism through innovative methods.
This study focused on a play-based, peer-mediated intervention to improve pragmatic language performance and capacity in children aged 6-11 years with autism. Here are some key takeaways that can help you improve your practice:
- Child-Led, Peer-Mediated Play: The intervention utilized child-led play interactions with typically developing peers. This approach leverages natural social interactions, making the learning process engaging and effective.
- Video-Feedback and Feedforward: Children reviewed clips of their play sessions to identify and discuss pragmatic language skills. This technique helps them understand and practice effective communication strategies.
- Parental Involvement: Parents were trained to mediate practice components at home, ensuring consistency and reinforcement of skills learned during therapy sessions.
- Maintenance and Generalization: The study found that improvements in pragmatic language were maintained three months post-intervention and generalized to home settings, indicating long-term benefits.
By incorporating these strategies into your practice, you can help children with autism improve their social communication skills effectively. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of a holistic approach that involves peers, parents, and therapists working together to create meaningful change.
For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the full study is available here: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Play-Based, Peer-Mediated Pragmatic Language Intervention for Children With Autism.
