Early Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Intervention Delivered Via Hybrid Telehealth

Launched by OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · Feb 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help toddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) communicate better. The researchers are testing an intervention called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), which uses tools and strategies to support communication. The main goal is to see if this program helps caregivers use these strategies effectively, which may lead to improved communication skills in their children. The study will gather feedback from caregivers and speech-language pathologists to make the intervention as helpful as possible. Participants will receive a total of 24 sessions, with some taking place in-person and others via telehealth, allowing families the flexibility to engage in the program from home.

To be eligible for the trial, caregivers must be over 18 years old and have a child aged 24 to 36 months with confirmed IDD and significant delays in communication skills. Caregivers should have experience with early intervention services and be comfortable using English. The study is currently recruiting, and participants can expect personalized support from therapists who will guide them through the AAC strategies to help their child communicate more effectively. This trial aims to create a useful and effective communication support system for young children with IDD and their families.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 1. Speech-Language Pathologists:
• • 1. age \> 18 years
• • 2. full or part-time employment providing language intervention to children 24 - 36 months with IDD
• • 3. has at least 1 child on their caseload who uses AAC
• • 4. has 2 or more years of experience providing AAC to children with IDD
• • 5. able to speak, understand, and read English.
• 2. Caregivers:
• • 1. age \> 18 years
• • 2. parent, primary caregiver, or legal guardian of a child age 24 - 36 months with IDD
• • 3. has at least 6 months of experience receiving early intervention, and
• • 4. able to speak, understand, and read English.
• 3. Children:
• • 1. age 24 - 36 months
• • 2. diagnosis of IDD confirmed by caregiver or medical record
• • 3. severe developmental delay, defined as a score of \> 2 standard deviations below the mean on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) Early Learning Composite
• • 4. severe expressive language impairment, defined as a score of \< 12 months on the Expressive Language Subscale of the MSEL and expressive vocabulary and \< 10 words (signs, or symbols) per caregiver report on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories Words and Gestures (MCDI-WG)
• • 5. receptive vocabulary of at least 50 words, per caregiver report on MCDI-WG
• • 6. use of intentional communication behaviors, defined as a score of \> 7 on the Communication Complexity Scale
• • 7. sufficient motor skills to sit upright with support, interact with toys provided during the assessment, and access the AAC system
• • 8. hearing within normal limits, defined as 0 to 25 dbHL in at least one ear
• • 9. vision within normal limits, defined as 20/80 visual acuity or better in at least one eye, and
• • 10. exposure to English in the home or community.
• • 11. Children with uncontrolled seizure disorders will be excluded.