Consumer-Oriented Evaluation of Interactive Language Intervention

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Abstract
Thirty-two mothers of preschool-aged children with developmental delay participated in a parent-focused language intervention program that espoused an interactive approach. Consumer satisfaction data (i.e., subjective measures [parent ratings] and objective measures [attendance, home assignment completion]) revealed parental satisfaction with the quality of service, thus confirming the social validity of this treatment approach. All parents reported improvements in their interactions with their children, but were equivocal about improvements in their children’s communication skills. Developmental level of the child at entry did not influence program acceptability or outcome ratings. No significant associations were found between what the parents subjectively reported and objective change data coded from pre- and post-intervention videotapes. We conclude that while consumer satisfaction surveys provide valuable information on the quality of service offered, they are inadequate as sole measures of treatment outcome.