Dose frequency: Comparison of language outcomes in preschool children with language impairment

Abstract

Data regarding treatment intensity provide evidence for service delivery decision-making in schools. In this pilot study, dose frequency effects (i.e. number of therapy sessions per week) on semantic and morphologic abilities in preschool children, ages 4;0 to 5;3 years of age, with language impairment were examined. Children enrolled in a concentrated treatment schedule (4 times per week for 6 weeks) were compared to children enrolled in a distributed treatment schedule (2 times per week for 12 weeks) using a pretest/posttest design. A concentrated schedule provides more therapy per week for fewer weeks than a distributed schedule. Therapy following a scaffolded-language structure with implicit strategies was used. Results indicate positive outcomes following both a concentrated and distributed schedules. No differences between groups were noted. Results suggest goal attainment of semantic and morphologic aspects of language within a school setting could occur in a variety of scheduling frameworks.