Impact of a Narrative Language Intervention on Language, Behavior, and Self-Concept among Bilingual Children with Developmental Language Disorder

Persons with a developmental language disorder (DLD) often have trouble using language. Narrative language therapy (NLT) can improve language skills. NLT focuses on telling and retelling stories, including stories about oneself. We studied a 10-session NLT program among bilingual children and adolescents with DLD. The study compared 3 outcomes before and after the program. These were: narrative language skills, behaviors, and self-image. In all, 33 children ages 6-16 participated and provided data before and after the narrative intervention. About 60% were bilingual. After the program, narrative skills, social skills and competence, and self-image improved. More research with a bigger sample is needed.