Using Narrative Language to Increase Self Regulation

2017

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Unit at CERC provides evaluation and treatment of childrens speech-language disorders. This Unit is directed by Nancy Tarshis, MA, MS, CCC-SLP. Ms. Tarshis supervises a team of approximately n=8 SLPs, including graduate level trainees. The Units interventions encompass expressive and receptive language, articulation, executive functioning and pragmatics (social language skills). The SLP unit works with children aged birth thru adolescence. This study will implement a standardized Oral Narrative modality for delivering SLP services to children aged 4 thru 16 years. Children with language impairments have difficulties when asked to produce oral narratives. (Catts and Hogan 2003) Narrative language skills are a bridge between oral and written communication, and are associated with improved reading comprehension. Research has proven that narrative language intervention will advance oral and literate language skills while advancing social interaction and reading comprehension (Johnston 2008). Note- narrative language therapy is not a new treatment approach for SLPs; its techniques are routinely incorporated into SLP practice. With this protocol, the team of SLPs at CERC will implement the approach in a more robust, standardized, and evaluable manner. Providing individual and group intervention targeting the many facets of narrative ability will have ancillary impact on academic success and is considered an integral part of the scope of practice for the speech language pathologist. The protocol was developed and submitted to the Einstein IRB in Spring and Summer 2016. Implementation will occur in Fall 2017.

Performing Research or Evaluation

Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities

Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas

National

N/A