This study is testing three ways to deliver Early Intervention (EI) services for toddlers with developmental disabilities (DD).
Children enrolled in EI speech therapy will receive one of three approaches:
1. Therapist Delivered EI: For 28 weeks, the child's speech therapist will work directly with the child to support their communication. 2. Caregiver Coaching EI: For 28 weeks, the child's speech therapist will coach the caregiver on how to support their child's communication. 3. Combined EI Approach + Parent-Led Education Program: For 14 weeks, the caregiver will take part in a parent-led education program while the speech therapist works directly with the child to support their communication. During the next 14 weeks, the speech therapist will coach the caregiver on how to support their child's communication.
The goal of this study is to identify which approaches are most effective so that all families can benefit fully from EI services.
At least 12 months old
At least 7 months of Early Intervention (EI) service eligibility remaining
Enrolled in the Illinois EI system and is new to the speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) caseload (i.e., no prior EI speech-language therapy experience with the SLP)
Plans to receive one hour of speech-language therapy per week in the home or in a private space outside of the home
The child's parent, legal guardian, or other family member
Self-identifies as Black, Latine (Hispanic), or white
Available to participate in weekly EI sessions and study assessments.
Younger than 18 years old at enrollment
Northwestern University
Lead sponsor
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Collaborator