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Multidisciplinary Early Intervention for Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior Problems and Language Impairment: Results from an Open Trial

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to a) examine school readiness (SR) outcomes in preschoolers with externalizing behavior problems (EBPs) and language impairment (LI) after receiving an intensive multidisciplinary SR intervention and b) examine changes in language as predictors of improvements in SR treatment outcomes via an open trial design. Preschoolers (n = 91) with elevated levels of EBPs and comorbid LI (Mage=4.77, SD= .56, 76% male, 82% Hispanic/Latino) participated in an 8-week Summer Treatment Program for Pre-Kindergarteners and received speech therapy for 30 min/4 days a week. SR outcomes included language, behavioral, academic, social, and self-regulation measures. Paired sample T-tests revealed significant improvements across SR outcomes. Regression analyses demonstrated that changes in language were associated with changes in academic and executive functioning. Findings indicated that children with comorbid EBPs and LI made significant improvements across SR domains through a multidisciplinary SR intervention. Implications for early intervention for children with EBPs and LI, are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R324A120136, and The Children’s Trust. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Institute, the U.S. Department of Education, or The Children’s Trust. The authors wouldlike to thank the families who participated in the study and the students and staff that made the program possible.

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  1. Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA

    Della E. Gregg, Katie C. Hart, Sisan Cuervo, Mildred Suarez & Paulo A. Graziano

  2. Speech Pathology and Educational Center Inc., FL, Miami, USA

    Samantha Vaquerano & Mildred Suarez

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  1. Della E. Gregg
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Gregg, D.E., Hart, K.C., Vaquerano, S. et al. Multidisciplinary Early Intervention for Preschoolers with Externalizing Behavior Problems and Language Impairment: Results from an Open Trial. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 43, 506–517 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-020-09865-w

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