Research Database

The complexity of opportunities to respond used by mothers and fathers of children with Down syndrome: A preliminary investigation

Topic:

Down syndrome

Authors:

Elmquist, Ford, Sterling

Journal/Publication:

Journal of Child Language

Year:

2024
Participant Age Range:
NR –
NR months

Sample Size:

12

Participant Language:

English

Abstract:

Caregiver-child interactions are commonly used to examine children’s language learning environment. However, few studies consider interaction configurations beyond dyadic interactions or explore the conceptual complexity of caregiver talk. Thus, we examined if the complexity of a caregiver’s opportunities to respond (OTR) varied when sampled across three interaction configurations. Our study included twelve preschool-aged children with Down syndrome and both of their biological parents. Our preliminary findings suggest no differences in mothers’ and fathers’ frequency of OTRs across complexity levels during dyadic interactions. However, caregivers produced fewer OTRs across complexity levels during family choice than dyadic interactions.

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