Short and Sweet: Evidence-Based Practice of Short, Frequent Speech Therapy Sessions

As a Chicago-based speech therapist dedicated to helping children with speech and language disorders, I understand the importance of finding the most effective therapy approach. Recent studies highlight the benefits of high-intensity speech intervention, especially for children with cleft palate and other speech sound disorders. These studies demonstrate that more frequent, focused sessions can lead to quicker and more significant improvements, building confidence and enhancing communication skills.

Evidence-Based Frequency

Alighieri et al. (2021) aimed to determine whether high-intensity speech intervention is more effective than low-intensity intervention for children with a cleft palate targeting articulation skills. The study assessed a group that received intensive speech therapy sessions frequently and another that only received sessions once a week for an hour. Children in the high-intensity group showed more significant improvements in their speech skills compared to those in the low-intensity group. The high-intensity intervention led to quicker and more noticeable progress, making it a highly effective option for children needing rapid improvements. These benefits were maintained over time, suggesting long-term effectiveness.

Another study completed by Alighieri et al. (2022) aimed to compare the retrospective acceptability of high-intensity speech intervention with low-intensity speech intervention from the parents’ perspective. Parents expressed positive feelings about both types of speech interventions. The benefits of high-intensity intervention showed an improved relationship between the child and speech-language pathologist and the enhanced ability of children to make self-corrections in their speech. The study noted that effective counseling from speech-language pathologists can help parents feel more confident and committed while implementing high-intensity treatment (which is why I’m here!).

Allen (2013) compared preschool children with speech sound disorders who had multiple sessions a week for 8 weeks, once a week for 24 weeks, and another that were exposed to a storybook reading. The preschoolers in the intensive 8-week program had greater outcomes at 8 weeks than the preschoolers in the low-frequency group at 24 weeks respectively. This denoted that preschool children who received an intensive approach had significantly greater gains in phonological (speech sound) performance.

The study done Finestrack et al. (2024) reported incorporating a variety of components, such as providing explicit instruction with examples and tasks in different formats, can help students with developmental language disorder (DLD) and their use of grammatical language. Using these targets for grammatical forms in “relatively short” intervention sessions comprising a variety of activities.” (At the end of the day, it’s important what we do in the sessions, too! )

What do these studies show collectively?

Rapid Progress: High-intensity speech therapy provides more frequent and focused sessions, helping children achieve quicker improvements in their speech skills.

Effective Learning: Intensive sessions allow for more practice and reinforcement of speech skills, making learning more effective and sustained.

Confidence Building: As children see faster progress, their confidence in their communication abilities grows, reducing frustration and increasing participation in social activities.

Let me help you reach your goals!

If you’re looking for an effective way to support your child's speech development, our high-intensity summer speech therapy camp could be the perfect solution. The evidence from the studies mentioned supports the effectiveness of high-intensity intervention, and I am committed to applying these proven methods to help your child succeed.

Contact me today to learn more about our program and how I can help your child achieve their full potential in speech and communication skills.

Citations:

Allen, M. M. (2013). Intervention Efficacy and Intensity for Children With Speech Sound Disorder. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 56(3), 865–877. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2012/11-0076)

Alighieri, C., Van Lierde, K., De Caesemaeker, A.-S., Demuynck, K., Bruneel, L., D’haeseleer, E., & Bettens, K. (2021). Is High-Intensity Speech Intervention Better? A Comparison of High-Intensity Intervention Versus Low-Intensity Intervention in Children With a Cleft Palate. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 64(9), 3398–3415. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00189

Alighieri, C., Van Lierde, K., Cammu, H., Vanoost, L., & Bettens, K. (2022). The retrospective acceptability of high intensity versus low intensity speech intervention in children with a cleft palate: A qualitative study from the parents’ point of view using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12788

Finestack, L. H., Ancel, E., Lee, H. C., Kuchler, K., & Kornelis, M. (2023). Five Additional Evidence-Based Principles to Facilitate Grammar Development for Children With Developmental Language Disorder. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00049