Two research articles, co-authored by MHRTI Director Dr Susan Ebbels, received certificates of achievement for making the top 20 most downloaded papers published between January 2017 and December 2018, ‘generating immediate impact and visibility’ and ‘contributing significantly to the advancement of your field’, according to the journal.

The first paper; ‘Effectiveness of vocabulary intervention for older children with (developmental) language disorder’, led by Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) Lisa Wright, a former employee, addresses the critical area of vocabulary in older students and shows that direct intervention with an SLT can lead to significant progress.

The second; ‘Evidence-based pathways to intervention for children with language disorders’, led by Susan and co-authored with four other well-respected academics, provides a discussion and summary of the current evidence base. It argues for a rigorous approach to Speech & Language Therapy services, ensuring policy decisions are based on evidence and that SLTs use their expertise to maximise the progress of those children who most require their specialist skills. 

Both articles are currently available to download for free from the International Journal of Language & Communications Disorders.

MHRTI Director Dr Susan Ebbels says: “One of our key aims in setting up the Institute last year was to be at the forefront of research into the effectiveness of speech and language therapy interventions, so I’m delighted these papers are receiving recognition.

“More importantly though, I hope they generate discussion and contribute to the advancement of best practice for school aged students with Developmental Language Disorder.”

Meanwhile a third article; ‘Effectiveness of intervention for grammar in school-aged children with primary language impairments: A review of the evidence’, is also among the most downloaded articles of the last six months on the Child Language Teaching and Therapy journal website.

For more information about the MHRTI, including the wide range of training courses our highly specialist and experienced multi-disciplinary team provides, head to the Research & Training section of our website.