Language and drawing development after a combined intervention: A single-subject case study

Abstract

Language and drawing each have their own sets of symbols that they use to convey messages. It is still unclear whether the development of these two expression mechanisms is similar or distinct. There are various approaches to supporting language and communication skills, including structured and naturalistic methods. The goal of this in-depth case study is to find out how a combined intervention affects the language and drawing abilities of a three-year-old girl with developmental delay. Structured implementations and milieu teaching strategies were used in the same session, but not simultaneously. The participant's language and communication skills improved at the end of the programme. Interestingly, even though there was no drawing-related goal, her drawings evolved too. Even though this is a single-subject case study, it suggests that if a child's cognitive and language skills develop, his/her drawing skills do as well.