Effects of a Computer-Assisted Language Intervention in a Rural Nevada Center

A computer-assisted language intervention, Fast For Word-Language (FFW–L), was tested at a rural Nevada center in a group of children (Grades 2–12) referred by parents and teachers to assess enhancement of language skills. Given conflicting results from previous studies, language scores were measured using Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Third Edition (CELF–3) before and after the FFW–L intervention. 58 children's CELF–3 postintervention scores were adjusted for age-specific expected changes and compared with pretest scores. Adjusted scores increased in both receptive and expressive domains of the CELF–3. Children with prior diagnoses of language and/or learning impairment did not differ from other referrals on adjusted CELF–3 adjusted gain scores after treatment. Thus the Fast ForWord–Language intervention may benefit a much broader group of children referred by parents and teachers for language or reading problems.