Research Paper: Production of A Protocol on Early Intervention for Speech and Language Delays in Early Childhood: An Novice Experience in Iran

Objective Speech and language disorders, when happening during childhood will ultimately lead to importantnegative outcomes in the life of the child. The farther we move from this critical period, that is,the first 3 years of life, the less will be the positive effects of environmental stimuli on the developmentof speech and language. Early detection of children at risk for or in the preliminary phases of developmentaldelays and provision of early intervention services for them is of utmost importance. The objectiveof this research was to compile and produce protocols for early intervention in childhood speechand language developmental disorders in Iranian children. Materials & Methods This study was conducted in two main phases: review phase and qualitative phase.In the review phase, all accessible search engines and databases, especially those for systematic reviewsand guidelines were searched. In the qualitative study phase, several focus group discussions and roundsof Delphi were carried out with 20 experts in 7 subgroups, who were selected purposively. Results The result of this study is presented as 7 intervention packages, including the following domainsof disorders: prelingual lingual speech and language hearing impairment, speech sound, dysphagia, stuttering,and dysarthria Conclusion Most studies have confirmed the effectiveness and need for early interventions for childrenwith speech and language impairment. However, most do not explain the details of these interventions.Before the present study, no systematic and evidence-based protocol existed for early intervention inchildhood speech and language impairments, in Iran; and due to language differences, as well as possibledifferences in the speech and language developmental process of children of different communities,making direct use of non-Persian references was not possible and effective. Thus, there was a cleardemand for the production of such a protocol.