Collaborative consultation in natural environments: Strategies to enhance family-centered supports and services

Purpose: This article presents current information on recommended practices related to the delivery of early intervention (EI) supports and services to infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, communication deficits and their families. Method: The focus is on presenting the changing paradigm for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in EI based on the best available research evidence and expert opinion. The article includes a brief review of the recommended and promising practices for early communication intervention and applies the content to the role of the SLP as a consultant to caregivers. It provides strategies for "how to" join into the everyday activities/routines and places with the caregiver and child in order to facilitate caregiver-implemented intervention that will enhance caregiver-child interactions and promote the child's participation and learning. The importance of, and strategies for, collaborative consultation with diverse caregivers within a family-centered approach is presented. Implications: This article provides important and timely information for professionals and families related to familycentered EI practices, caregiver-implemented interventions, adult teaching strategies, and collaborative consultation with families of infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, communication deficits. SLPs can use the information presented to inform their practices when working with these young children and their families.