Parent Training and Communication Empowerment of Children With Cochlear Implant. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicastri, Maria; Giallini, Ilaria; Ruoppolo, Giovanni; Prosperini, Luca; de Vincentiis, Marco; Lauriello, Maria; Rea, Monica; Traisci, Gabriella; Mancini, Patrizia
• Is Part Of: Journal of early intervention. Volume 43:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: hearing loss -- disabilities and development delays -- speech and language delays -- parent training -- components of practice; Children with disabilities -- Education (Preschool) -- Periodicals; 371.905
• DOI: 10.1177/1053815120922908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1053-8151

Abstract

Deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs) need a supportive family environment to facilitate language development. The present study was designed to assess the effects of parent training (PT) on enhancing children's communication development. The PT was based on the "It Takes Two to Talk" model, with specific adaptations for families of deaf children. Before and after the PT, 14 participating families and matched no-treatment controls were assessed using the Parent Stress Index and Cole's interaction checklist. The children's language was assessed with the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory and, after 3 years, with the Boston Naming, the Peabody, and the Test for Reception of Grammar–Version 2 (TROG-2). The families' quality of interaction and the children's language increased significantly more in the trained group than in controls and differences were still present after 3 years. The parents seemed to benefit from PT that focused on strategies to empower and promote communication skills in children with CIs.