The Effects of Prelinguistic Milieu teaching: a naturalistic language intervention,

COLLEGE OF
EHHS on child communication in the natural environment
ABIGAIL BALL
Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education

INTRODUCTION METHODS Results

► Participants: Child with expressive language delay age 22 months, Mother, Coach (Early Composite Parent Data
► This study evaluates the effects of a naturalistic language intervention on child communication within the Parent Strategy use
Intervention Master’s Student ) 35
Baseline Interventio
35
Baseline Intervention
n
context of Early intervention (EI).
► Settings: The home : in the child’s playroom, in the child’s bedroom 30 30

► Study design: AB Single Subject research design with baseline and intervention phases
► Early intervention refers to Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). 25
25

► Study Procedures:
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Frequency
20

Frequency
► In an early intervention context, a naturalistic environment is the current best practice. The natural
15
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environment consists of working with a child in an everyday environment, with parents and caregivers. 1. Information shared: Strategies given through the process of coaching , the Early 10
10

Within the natural environment I was able to understand the importance of early language learning. interventionist provided resources and checked for understanding 5
5

► Milieu Teaching is a grouping of strategies for language development that is an evidence based practice 2.Intervention: The caregiver implemented the learned strategies while being video recorded 0
1 2 3 4 5
0
Sessions
1 2 3 4 5
Follow Child's lead Expansion Postive Feedback Session

3.Feedback: The Early interventionist and the mother watched the video and made comments on
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
what was done well, and what could be improved Child Communication Behaviors Composite Child Data
► What are the effects of Prelinguistic Milieu teaching: a naturalistic language intervention, on child 35
Baseline Intervention 35
Baseline Intervention

► Adult measures (Independent Variables):

communication in the natural environment? 30
30

► What are the effects of the “coaching strategy” on Prelinguistic Milieu teaching: a naturalistic language 1. Follow child's lead: The caregiver moves towards, at the same level with the child, and 25
25

intervention? participates when she is interested in an object or activity 20

Frequency
20

Frequency
2. Expansion: The parent labels and adds descriptions of objects and activities when the child 15

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS has an item, or initiates an interaction 10

15

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Authors : Purpose : Findings : 3. Positive feedback- The parent provides specific positive feedback by clapping, smiling with 5

5
specific praise, or giving verbal praise for a correct behavior or response 0
1 2 3 4 5
0
1. Hancock, T. B., & 1.What changes in child language targets and social communication - All children showed positive increases for specific target language Sessions
1 2 3 4 5
Gesture Vocalization Words Sessions
Kaiser, A. P. (2002). skills will be observed during the clinic applications of EMT by trained - Results were maintained after 6 month follow up
► Child measures (Dependent Variables):
interventionists? - Positive changes in the complexity of diversity of language
1.Gesture: A shake of the hand, point, or shake of the head that is directed towards another
2.Will changes in child language target and social communication skills
be maintained over time?
- Parent satisfaction was high
- 3 of 4 children generalized
person or item DISCUSSION
3. Will changes indicative of child language development be observed ?
2.Vocalization: A babble, utterance, or approximation ► Previous research suggests that caregiver interactions using Milieu teaching strategies help to increase
4.Will changes in child language generalize to interactions with parents
at home ? language understanding, and communication . My study shows that through caregiver interactions using
3.Word: A word that is in the English dictionary, or a learned sign for a representation of a word
2. Roberts, M. Y., 1.What are the effects of the Teach-Model-Coach-Review instructional - The caregivers demonstrated increases in their use of each EMT language Milieu teaching, that child gestures and words have increased .
Kaiser, A. P., Wolfe, approach on caregivers’ use of four different EMT language support support strategy after instruction.
► Coaching: 10- 15 Minute Session prior to intervention . The sessions consisted of sharing
C. E., Bryant, J. D., strategies in a clinic setting?
- Generalization use to the home was limited, ► Previous research has not paired the evidence based practice of Milieu teaching with the strategy of
& Spidalieri, A. M.
2.What are the effects of teaching caregivers to use EMT language
information, questions, and checking for understanding
(2014). - All children demonstrated gains in their use of communication targets Coaching in the natural environment. My study has done just that. I was able to coach the parent in the
support strategies on children’s expressive language skills in the clinic

- Results indicate that the Teach-Model- Coach-Review instructional approach natural environment, using the Milieu teaching strategies of “following the child’s lead , expansion, and
resulted in increased use of EMT language support strategies by caregivers.
positive feedback”.
3. Warren, S., Yoder, -Will a modified form of milieu teaching facilitate children's - The results replicated the finding that a modified version of milieu teaching
► Seeing the success of the Milieu teaching strategies paired with coaching in the natural environment these
P., Gazdag, G., Kim, prelinguistic requesting in intervention sessions with staff members? was effective in facilitating the use of intentional requesting by children with
K., & Jones, H. developmental delays in an intervention context results show the importance of quality caregiver interactions.
(1993).

4. Franco, J. H., What is the effect of PMT on the participant’s development of sustained - All of the children improved their ability to sustain social interactions, as ► Further research should look into the quality of parental praise and the effects on child language production
Davis, B. L., & social interaction within a salient play routine?” evidenced by an increase in the number of communicative interactions during
Davis, J. L. (2013). play routines. ► Limitations included : limited data points following the baseline
-Participants also increased their overall rate of initiated intentional
communication.