Parental perception of the efficacy and effectiveness of a no-training-needed home programme for children with phonological delay and consistent phonological disorder

Background: Speech sound disorders (SSD) are the most frequently occurring communication impairment in preschool-aged children. As pressure for Speech and Language Therapy services escalates, alternative service delivery options, such as parent-led intervention, are being explored. Research has yet to consider a no-training-needed home programme (HP). Aims: To investigate parental perception of progress made in their child’s speech following a no-training-needed HP delivered by parents within the parent-child dyad. Methods/Procedures: Thirteen volunteers with SSD (aged 3;3-5;9). Three research designs were employed to assess the HP. Likert scales were used to 1) gather information about PP of their child’s progress, and 2) evaluate the HP after 5 weeks. The Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology was used to assess phonology. Results: 92% of parents felt their child’s speech improved. Results showed a significant decline in parental concern (p=0.038) and a significant correlation between PP change and the 4;7-5;9 age group (p=0.028). Conclusions/Implications: A HP that effectively improves speech would be a prompt, low-resource alternative treatment resource that may reduce waiting lists and lower the risks of long-term negative effects of SSD. Recommendations: Further research is warranted to refine this HP and gain results representative of the global SSD population