In 2009 researchers from Manchester University completed a project called the Social Communication Intervention Project. The study was a randomised control trial looking at the effectiveness of a manualised speech and language therapy intervention for children aged 6-11 with pragmatic language impairments (PLI).
This kind of impairment is associated with the pragmatic areas of language; most commonly understood as the social aspects of language, the subtleties of what is said ?without words? or with ambiguous language. Difficulties with pragmatic language are often associated with disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The study found that those who received the Social Communication intervention were more likely to display improved communication skills than those children with similar difficulties who did not have the intervention. It was also found that parents of these children rated their social communication and use of language as being improved. The researchers did not find an actual improvement in language ability amongst this group. You can read more about managing children?s pragmatic and social language needs in the early years at this link
http://www.roundwaycentre.org.uk/Publications/SCIP/homescip.aspx
This research is important in highlighting the benefit that a speech and language therapist can bring to an individual with these needs. As professionals we may feel that what we do helps, or is of assistance to, a particular group of people but it is imperative that we continually seek to understand and update the evidence base behind everything that we do and every decision that we make in the care of our clients. At Integrated Treatment Services we understand the value of continuous professional development, so that all of our therapists have access to regular training and mentoring opportunities. We also hold regular meetings where we discuss latest research and development in relevant fields. Integrated Treatment Services are pleased to operate and offer services in the North West of England, including in Manchester, and it gives us great pleasure to learn of the research publications from local Universities.
If you think that your child, relative or friend may benefit from speech and language therapy or associated therapies, Integrated Treatment Service could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Anna Mason, December 2012
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.
Integrated Treatment Serviceis a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire. Services are also available in other parts of the U.K including London, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Essex, Middlesex and the East Midlands. We are also able to offer services in Ireland, Dubai and India. Integrated Treatment Service specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists (speech therapy), but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Educational Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists
