what is the state of the evidence.pdf

Communication Interventions for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

Exploring Research Challenges and Opportunities

by Rose A. Sevcik, Ph.D. and MaryAnn Romski, Ph.D.

Contents

  1. About the Editors
    Rose A. Sevcik, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor, Department of Psychology, Georgia State University
    Dr. Sevcik has made significant contributions to the field of developmental and learning disabilities and language and reading intervention research through more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and books.

MaryAnn Romski, Ph.D., Regents Professor of Communication, Psychology, and Communication Disorders
Dr. Romski focuses on the communication development of children with developmental disorders and has published 3 books.

What Is the State of the Evidence?

Research is urgently needed to promote identification and implementation of effective communication interventions for individuals with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This chapter summarizes events leading up to this conference and the current state of the evidence regarding communication practices for individuals with severe IDD.

BACKGROUND

In 1984, the Council of Language, Speech, and Hearing Consultants in State Education Agencies initiated efforts to develop national guidelines for individuals with severe communication disabilities. This culminated in a national symposium, focusing on effective communication for children and youth with severe disabilities.

Evidence Supporting Interventions for People

The qualified database of 116 studies contained a total of 460 individuals with severe IDD; of this group, 62% were males and 38% were females. The participants were categorized into various age groups, with a majority described as having prelinguistic abilities prior to intervention.

Box 1.1. Communication Bill of Rights

  1. Request desired objects, actions, events, and people.
  2. Refuse undesired objects, actions, or events.
  3. Express personal preferences and feelings.
  4. Be offered choices and alternatives.
  5. Reject offered choices.
  6. Request and receive another person’s attention and interaction.
  7. Receive a response to any communication.

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE

The analysis included articles meeting specific criteria, focusing on interventions for severe disabilities and communication performance. The intervention outcomes involved improving expressive communication and relating to social interactions.

Implications for Future Research

The committee members aim to document positive outcomes and note the need for new research that strengthens the existing evidence base for communication interventions for individuals with severe IDD. Reliability, treatment fidelity, generalization, and maintenance data remain crucial aspects for future studies.

Conclusion

The suggestions presented for improving the evidence base in severe IDD highlight the necessity of consistency in intervention research and reporting, alongside new methods to advance science in communication intervention.

REFERENCES