03/15/11 - New language assessment tool increases effectiveness of research, therapies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2011
Contact: Jan Hollingsworth
jan.hollingsworth@siskin.org
423.648.1730

New language assessment tool increases effectiveness of research, therapies
for young children with speech delays, characteristics of autism

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — This week, Institute researchers, therapists and teachers began training on a cutting edge language assessment tool that helps map a more effective speech therapy strategy than traditional one-hour speech therapy sessions allow.

The LENA Pro language system is an advanced technology that records a young child’s language interactions for up to 16 hours at a time and then analyzes an­­d graphs the data. Data collection with LENA Pro is accomplished using a tiny, wireless recording device, or digital language processor (DLP), that is secured in the front pocket of specially-designed overalls the child wears.

The DLP collects a child’s speech interactions with family members, friends, teachers and therapists throughout the day. LENA Pro software then analyzes the recording, graphing information like the number of utterances the child makes and the breadth of the child’s vocabulary. Because a child masters language, literacy and social skills through interactions with others, LENA Pro also documents the verbalizations the child hears from others. This allows the adults in a child’s life to self-monitor and adjust their interactions with the child as needed.

Chad Higgs, a speech language pathologist for the Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the Institute, said birth to age five are the years when the window for language development is open the widest. “For children who have or are at risk for developmental delays, speech development can be challenging,” Higgs said. “It’s very important to monitor a child’s language development and offer therapy as needed if they are to overcome deficits.”

Researchers at the Siskin Center for Child and Family Research will use the LENA Pro system to advance their studies in early childhood development. Institute researcher Tom Buggey, Ph.D., sees great potential in using LENA Pro in his work with children who have limited or no vocalizations and who are at risk for severe language and literacy deficiency.

“What I appreciate about this technology is that it gives us a snapshot of a child in all of his or her natural environments—at school, in the community and at home,” Buggey said. “Recording child and family vocalizations at home allows for a much richer sampling of a child’s language use that is difficult to collect in a one-hour therapy session.”

The LENA Pro system will be used to enhance speech language therapy strategies for hundreds of children receiving services through several Institute programs, including the Institute’s two Early Learning Centers and the Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. Families who participate in the Institute’s home visiting program also will have access to the LENA Pro system.

Buggey especially is excited about the potential the LENA Pro system offers in helping children suspected of having autism. Buggey, who has done extensive research on language delays in children with autism, said LENA Pro gives the Institute “an advanced new screening tool for detecting autism, even in very young children.” The earlier autistic tendencies are recognized in a child, the sooner early intervention can begin.

The Institute purchased 10 LENA Pro systems with funding from an individual donor. Staff training will be complete by the end of March and use of the systems will begin in April.

Learn more about LENA Pro.

About Siskin Children’s Institute
Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. The non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four areas of focus: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.