Measuring Aided Language Development in Preschool Children with Speech and Language Disorders Using AAC Generative Language Intervention

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the psychometric properties of various aided language measures based on the Graphic Symbol Utterance and Sentence Development Framework. The study aims to identify reliable tools that capture language growth in preschool children with speech and language disorders who use aided communication, assessing which contexts best reflect their language development. This research focuses on children with conditions such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and speech sound disorders during early stages of aided communication acquisition. Participants will receive an AAC Generative Language Intervention, a behavioral aided AAC language input/output therapy designed to support language acquisition. The study includes different phases: Aim 1A uses existing data from children who have had 4 months of intervention, while Aim 1B follows high-performing aided communicators receiving 24 months of intervention to monitor progress through all early acquisition stages. During the study, children will be assessed on aided language use, including measuring aided AAC utterance length over 24 months. Researchers will evaluate language growth through various elicitation contexts, using tools like iPad communication apps. Functional vision and hearing will be monitored to support study activities. The total participation period extends over two years, with ongoing assessments to establish reliable and clinically useful language measures.

Measuring Aided Language Development