2022 RTP Evaluating a peer-peer pragmatic language intervention for children with developmental language disorder

Status: Open

Applications open: 12/07/2021
Applications close: 30/08/2021

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) experience challenges with social interaction, in part due to pragmatic language difficulties (behaviours related to the communicative, social and emotional aspects of social language). Effective pragmatic language interventions are required to address these challenges, and support children’s interactions with peers in order to promote friendships and resilience, and reduce social isolation in the long term. A number of promising interventions have been developed targeting pragmatic language for school-aged children with DLD, however most require further evaluation using more rigorous research methods.
This project will adapt a play-based peer-peer intervention and evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and appropriateness of the intervention for targeting pragmatic language in children with DLD. The intervention approach is innovative in the field of speech pathology, involving a combination of self-, peer-, and therapist- modelling techniques through the use of video-feedback and child-directed free play. 
Using a mixed methods approach this study will explore the evidence base for existing pragmatic language interventions for children with DLD to inform adaptations required to the play-based peer-peer intervention, then, the approach will implemented in a clinical setting and evaluated to understand whether it is feasible, effective and appropriate for children with DLD and their families. 
A key outcome for this project will be a new evidence-based approach to pragmatic language intervention for children with DLD. For children who participate in the study, it is expected that they will be able to participate more effectively in play-based interactions with peers in order to foster and maintain friendships. With an increased quality of friendships the risk of social exclusion and adversity can be reduced and resilience is increased. Findings from this project will inform future directions for research in the field of child language development, and the intervention techniques can be translated and implemented in clinical practice. 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Health Sciences

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

Total value of the annual scholarships (stipend and fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a. Curtin PhD Stipends are valued at $28,597 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3.5 years.

Successful applicants will receive a 100% Fee offset.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

This project will suit someone with clinical speech pathology experience and an interest in developing, adapting, and critically evaluating child language interventions. 

Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should email the project lead, expressing your interest (EOI) in this project.

Your EOI email should include your current curriculum vitae, a summary of your research skills and experience and the reason you are interested in this specific project.

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2022

Enquiries

To enquire about this project opportunity contact the Project lead (listed below).

Name: Dr Lauren Parsons 

Email: [email protected]

Contact Number: 9266 3829

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