NCT07227974 · Northwestern University
Empower EI: Comparing Early Intervention Approaches to Improve Communication in Toddlers With Developmental Delays
What this study is about
This study is testing three ways to deliver Early Intervention (EI) services for toddlers with developmental disabilities (DD). Children enrolled in EI speech therapy will receive one of three approaches: 1. Therapist Delivered EI: For 28 weeks, the child's speech therapist will work directly with the child to support their communication. 2.
View original scientific description
This study is testing three ways to deliver Early Intervention (EI) services for toddlers with developmental disabilities (DD). Children enrolled in EI speech therapy will receive one of three approaches: 1. Therapist Delivered EI: For 28 weeks, the child's speech therapist will work directly with the child to support their communication. 2. Caregiver Coaching EI: For 28 weeks, the child's speech therapist will coach the caregiver on how to support their child's communication. 3. Combined EI Approach + Parent-Led Education Program: For 14 weeks, the caregiver will take part in a parent-led education program while the speech therapist works directly with the child to support their communication. During the next 14 weeks, the speech therapist will coach the caregiver on how to support their child's communication. The goal of this study is to identify which approaches are most effective so that all families can benefit fully from EI services.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Therapist-Delivered Early Intervention Approach
The therapist-delivered early intervention approach will occur during the child's weekly, hour-long early intervention (EI) sessions. During the sessions, the child's EI speech-language pathologist (SLP) will use responsive strategies directly with the child. Responsive strategies focus on noticing the child's communication and responding with language related to their focus of attention. The SLP will not coach the caregiver during the sessions.
BEHAVIORAL
Caregiver Coaching Early Intervention Approach
The caregiver-coaching early intervention approach will occur during the child's weekly, hour-long early intervention (EI) sessions. During the sessions, the child's EI speech-language pathologist (SLP) will coach the caregiver to use responsive strategies with their child. Responsive strategies focus on noticing the child's communication and responding with language related to their focus of attention.
BEHAVIORAL
Parents Taking Action
Parents Taking Action (PTA) will be delivered during weekly, one-hour virtual sessions with the caregiver, separate from the child's early intervention (EI) sessions. PTA is a psychoeducation program implemented by a peer mentor (i.e., a culturally-matched caregiver of a child with a developmental disability). During the sessions, the peer mentor will provide information and guidance on a range of topics (e.g., child development, early intervention systems, special education rights/resources, and advocacy) following a structured curriculum.
Primary outcome measures
Responsive Strategy Use (RSU) Rating Scale
Time frame: Week 14, Week 28
The Responsive Strategy Use (RSU) Rating Scale will be used to measure caregivers' use of responsive strategies during a naturalistic, caregiver-child interaction. Items on the RSU Rating Scale are rated on a 4-point Likert Scale (0 = Rarely/Never, 3 = Consistently) and averaged to yield the RSU Total Score (Min = 0, Max = 3), with higher scores reflecting a higher frequency of responsive strategy use.
Family Outcomes Survey - Revised
Time frame: Week 14, Week 28
The Family Outcomes Survey-Revised is a 24-item informant-report questionnaire that assesses caregivers' understanding, confidence, and ability to support their child's needs. The Family Outcomes Total Score (Min = 24, Max = 120) reflects the caregiver's capacity to support their child's needs, with higher scores indicating greater capacity.
Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales - Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP)
Time frame: Week 28
The Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales - Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP) is a structured, norm-referenced, observational measure of child communication. The assessment is scored for 20 items across 7 domains (i.e., Emotion and Eye Gaze, Communication, Gestures, Sounds, Words, Understanding, Object Use). The weighted raw scores for each of the 7 domains are grouped into 3 clusters (social, speech, and symbolic) and combined into a total raw score (min = 0; max = 113). Higher scores indicate better skills.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- At least 12 months old
- At least 7 months of Early Intervention (EI) service eligibility remaining
- Enrolled in the Illinois EI system and is new to the speech-language pathologist's (SLP's) caseload (i.e., no prior EI speech-language therapy experience with the SLP)
- Plans to receive one hour of speech-language therapy per week in the home or in a private space outside of the home Child
Exclusion criteria
- \- Exposed to a language other than English or Spanish more than 10% of the time Caregiver Inclusion Criteria:
- The child's parent, legal guardian, or other family member
- Self-identifies as Black, Latine (Hispanic), or white
- Available to participate in weekly EI sessions and study assessments. Caregiver Exclusion Criteria
- Younger than 18 years old at enrollment
- Uses a language other than English or Spanish during their interactions with the child more than 10% of the time
Where
- Evanston, Illinois
Collaborators
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations