In response to the rapidly increasing demand for high-quality intervention services for very young children with language disorders, the University of Michigan has developed the Preschool and Communication Therapy program (PACT), an intensive language therapy program for 18- to 36-month-old children who have primary language disorders with social-interactional and behavioral consequences. Our research focuses on quantifying outcomes for PACT, and identifying which program components are critical for strong growth in language, communication, and associated socialization and play skills.

To date, we have examined the ways in which a child’s strengths can lead to positive growth in language (Craig & Telfer, 2005). Hyperlexia is a condition characterized by precocious single-word recognition skills, and we have reported on the ways in which this special skill can be used to support growth in language and communication by a child with language and social-interactional disorders due to autism spectrum disorder. Currently, we are developing measures of parent stress associated with early diagnosis and treatment.