Parent-implemented naturalistic language interventions for young children with disabilities: A systematic review of single-subject experimental research studies

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to critically review and examine the empirical literature focused on parent-implemented naturalistic intervention approaches designed to support language development of young children with disabilities who were 60 months or younger. A systematic review of the literature yielded 15 parent-implemented naturalistic language intervention studies that employed a single-subject experimental research design to evaluate functional relationships between (a) parent training and parents' implementation of the naturalistic intervention approaches, and (b) parents' implementation of naturalistic intervention approaches and child language learning outcomes. The studies were examined using an investigator-developed coding protocol. The results indicated that parents could learn naturalistic language interventions and were able to implement them with their young children. The review showed that when parents' implemented these interventions positive changes were identified in the children's language skills. Critical features of parent-implemented language interventions are discussed. Limitations of the present review as well as the current literature are identified. Future directions to advance research focusing on parent-implemented naturalistic language intervention approaches are highlighted. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.