Predictors of responsivity to language intervention: findings from a RCT

Abstract

Logistic regression analyses were carried out on the pre- and blind-assessed post-intervention language outcome measures for 124 children aged 6-11 years with primary language impairment randomised to language therapy who received three 30-40 minute sessions per week in mainstream schools over fifteen weeks. Only the model for binary gains (made progress/did not make progess) for receptive language was significant, with gender and case status (specific expressive versus mixed receptive-expressive impairment) significant predictors. Non-verbal IQ score was not a significant predictor of responsivity to intervention. Implications for the relationship between non-verbal development and primary language impairment and for intervention are discussed.