This study compared language and social skills development in 32 developmentally delayed preschool children classified as having speech/language impairments. Social skills were rated by teachers on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Language scores were from the Preschool Language Scale administered by speech/language therapists. Statistical…

This article reviews problems faced by researchers in the association between otitis media with effusion and phonological impairment and then summarizes currently established findings concerning otitis media and its effects on phonological acquisition. Professionals are cautioned to neither ignore nor exaggerate the possible influence of otitis…

This article describes a preschool program that fosters emerging speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in children with speech and language impairments (SLI). Strategies used to incorporate literacy-related events and artifacts into the daily classroom schedule are discussed, and sample activities are given. (Author/DB)

Approximately 10 percent of Latino preschoolers are at risk for developing communication problems unrelated to second language acquisition. Many of these children are Spanish-speaking and have difficulties in producing speech sounds in their native language. One of the services afforded Latino preschoolers by speech-language pathologists is the…

This study explored the semantic content of spontaneous speech of 10 children (ages 4-5) during pretend play. More references to family were made during home play and to peers and self during preschool play. Use of daily routines and fantasy/cartoon characters as common play themes was analyzed. Discusses intervention programs for children with…

This article describes a functional approach to language intervention that uses storybook reading contexts with preschool children who exhibit delayed phonological development. Oral scaffolding techniques, including discussions of narrative structure and content words, provide the modeling and metalinguistic descriptions typically used in…

This early intervention kit includes a Comprehensive Early Stimulation Program for Infants (CESPI) instruction manual, an early interventionist workbook, and ten parent/caregiver workbooks. The CESPI early intervention program is designed to provide therapists, teachers, other health professionals, and parents with a common-sense, practical guide…

This document presents guidelines for differential diagnosis and eligibility determination under Connecticut's Birth to Three System for young children with communication problems, usually delayed speech. An executive summary presents a rationale and recommendation locator in the form of a matrix of communication problems, the eligibility…