The purpose of this study was to assess the differential effects of grammatical and telegraphic input on word learning and language productivity in children with expressive language delays. Two case studies are presented. In Study 1, the participant received focused stimulation treatment over eight sessions. Type of language input (i.e. telegraphic or grammatical) was alternated across sessions. In Study 2, the participant received focused stimulation treatment over 16 sessions divided into two eight-session phases. Language input was alternated across phases. Participant characteristics limited definitive conclusions regarding word learning. Productive language differences during treatment sessions were observed for both participants. Participant 1, who entered treatment with a larger vocabulary and spontaneous production of some word combinations, demonstrated a higher mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) in more of the sessions under the grammatical condition. Participant 2, who demonstrated severe deficits in speech intelligibility, imitated the clinician more often in the telegraphic sessions. Results support the need for improved systematic study of language input variables in treatment as well as the careful selection of language input protocols based on initial client abilities and treatment outcome goals. / text

Young children with expressive language delay often present with limited vocabulary and reduced length of utterance. In consideration of the relationship between vocabulary and grammar, intervention that targets vocabulary may also result in improved syntax development. This study investigated whether a hybrid approach to verb-focused vocabulary intervention would result in improvements in increased use of target words, increased expressive vocabulary and/or increased sentence length. Four participants, aged two years nine months to three years six months participated in an intervention program that targeted vocabulary, specifically verbs. Number of target verbs, number of different words (NDW) used and mean length of utterance (MLU) were measured in baseline, intervention and post-intervention phases. Results indicated that all participants had increased use of targeted words and increased NDW. The majority of participants also had increased MLU. These findings suggest that verb-focused vocabulary intervention has the potential to have broad effects on the language skills of young children with expressive language delay. Further research is warranted to determine whether similar results would be found in a larger cohort. The study also raises questions around choice of intervention targets and intervention approaches for young children with expressive language delay.