PhD Study : The development of an intervention targeting non-meaningful speech in children with neurodevelopmental difficulties

Summary

Across the first year of life typically developing infants gradually begin to crack the code of their native language leading to production of meaningful speech at around 1 year of age (Stoel-Gammon 2011). Strong associations have been found between the development of non-meaningful speech (vocalisations and babbling) and subsequent meaningful speech and language for children with typical development. This link is even more notable for those children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCNs) (Stoel-Gammon 2011) underpinned by a range of neurodevelopmental difficulties i.e., hearing impairment, intellectual difficulties, and being a ‘late talker’ (see Stoel-Gammon 2011 for review).

There is little research available on how therapy to develop non-meaningful speech may support subsequent acquisition of first words in such children (McLeod and Baker 2017). However, research into this early stage of non-meaningful speech indicates that development of the child’s phonological/speech system impacts more on lexical/vocabulary acquisition, than vice versa (Stoel-Gammon 2011). Many programmes focusing on early acquisition either do not target this early stage of communicative development, or predominantly focus on the bidirectional influence of parent/child interactions, prelinguistic milieu teaching and focused stimulation. Such programmes can be effective in supporting the development of interactional skills, intentional communication and receptive language (e.g., the Hanen Programme (the Hanen Centre 2016)). However, Stoel-Gammon (2011) indicates that at this early stage of development, it could be valuable to directly target phonological/speech acquisition alongside lexical/vocabulary acquisition and parent interaction.

The overall aim of this study is to develop an intervention targeting the development of non-meaningful speech in children with neurodevelopmental difficulties which will support subsequent development of first words and intelligible speech.

The objectives of the study are as follows:

1.To investigate the evidence base, and current recommended practices/programmes used to support communicative development for children with neurodevelopmental difficulties who either are not using, or are predicted not to use, first words at two years of age.

2.To co-produce an intervention that will support development of non-meaningful speech in children with neurodevelopmental difficulties who are either not using, or are predicted not to use, first words at two years of age.

3.To assess the face validity of this intervention with parents, pre-nursery teachers, health visitors and SLTs.

For each objective above the following methods will be used:

1. A systematic review investigating the effectiveness of current programmes used to support children with neurodevelopmental difficulties who are not using, or are predicted not to use, first words at two years of age.

2. Focus groups and 1:1 interviews with parents of children with neurodevelopmental difficulties, SLTs, health visitors and specialist pre-nursery teachers to identify what they feel works in their context with the children they know.

3.LOGIC modelling to support co-production of an intervention which will support children with neurodevelopmental difficulties who are not using, or are predicted not to use, first words at two years of age.

4.Investigation of the face validity of the programme by parents of children with neurodevelopmental difficulties, SLTs, health visitors and specialist pre-nursery teachers.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living