CSDS 109 module 4

Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

A language problem in a child who is apparently typical in most if not all other aspects of development.

Population Genetic Studies

Investigate prevalence of language disorders in blood relatives contrasted with prevalence in unrelated individuals.

Molecular Genetic Studies

Attempts to isolate specific genes for specific clinical conditions.

Family Studies

The first person seen with a disorder is analyzed to find out how many in the child's family also have the disorder.

Pedigree Studies

Similar to family studies, but extending back over several generations; an example is the KE family and the FOXP2 gene.

Twin Studies

A study that shows a higher concordance rate in identical twins than in fraternal twins, suggesting a genetic basis for the condition.

Proband

The specific child with Specific Language Impairment (SLI).

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins.

Dizygotic Twins

Fraternal twins.

Haptic

Touch.

ASHA Definition of Language Disorder

(1) Form: Phonology, morphology, and syntax; (2) Content: Semantics; (3) Function: Pragmatics.

DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders published by the APA, the standard classification system of mental disorders used in clinical and educational settings across the world.

Qualification for Services in California Public Schools

Using more than one assessment, a student must score at least 1.5 standard deviations below the mean, or below the 7th percentile, in language development areas.

Further Requirements for Language Disorder Services in California

The disorder is not due to unfamiliarity with English and adversely affects educational performance.

Terminology for Diagnosing Language Disorder

Expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder, or mixed expressive/receptive language disorder.

Diagnosis of Specific Language Impairment Timing

Should be diagnosed after 4 years of age to avoid misdiagnosing late bloomers.

Percentage of Children Described as Late Bloomers

10-15% of children.

Characteristics of Late Bloomers

Decreased vocabulary and failure to combine words.

Prevalence of SLI in Kindergarten

7-8% of children in kindergarten.

Persistent Language Difficulties in Adolescence

60% of children with SLI will have persistent language difficulties into adolescence.

Heterogeneous Disorder

SLI is called heterogeneous because children exhibit a variety of symptoms in infinite combinations.

Percentage of Children with Phonological Disorders having Language Difficulties

40-70% of children with phonological disorders also have language difficulties.

Unusual Phonologic Processes in SLI

Examples include prevocalic devoicing and word-initial weak syllable deletion.

Deficits in Semantic Component of Language with SLI

Children may be slow to acquire first words, show less increase in vocabulary, persist in overextension and underextension, and have difficulty with abstract concepts.

Most Affected Language Areas by SLI

Syntax and morphology.

Syntax Deficits in Children with SLI

Children may fail to combine words by 24 months and produce short, non-complex sentences.

Most Promising Clinical Marker of SLI

Morphological deficits.

Inflectional Morphemes Children with SLI May Struggle With

Regular plural -s, possessive -s, present progressive -ing, auxiliary verbs, and past tense -ed.

Morphologic Deficiency Explanations

Explanations may involve perception, syntactic complexity, or syntactic redundancy.

Pragmatic Language Deficits in SLI

Limited comments, interactions, and inappropriate turn-taking.

Strength of Pragmatics as a Diagnostic Marker for SLI

Not a strong diagnostic marker.

Emotional Consequences of SLI

Children may experience negative perceptions, low self-esteem, and behavior problems.

Limitations of Correlation Data

Correlation does not imply causation.

Types of Genetic Studies

Population genetic studies and molecular genetic studies.

Types of Population Genetic Studies

Family studies, twin studies, and pedigree studies.

Findings on KE Family and FOXP2 Gene

The FOXP2 gene was initially identified as the 'talking gene,' but later research suggests its not solely involved in language disorders.

Study by Plante et al. (1991) Findings

Conducted an autopsy study on males with developmental dyslexia and found symmetry due to an oversized right hemisphere.

Mothers' Interactions with Children with SLI

Mothers display less interaction, with more directive statements and fewer questions.

SES Effects on Language and Literacy

Low SES correlates with poor language and literacy skills.

Hart and Risley's Study Methodology

A longitudinal study observing 42 families over 2+ years.

Hart and Risley Language Exposure Findings

Quantitative: cumulative words addressed; qualitative: encouragements and discouragements.

Underlying Deficits Proposed for Children with SLI

Deficits may exist in complex reasoning, processing skills, memory, and symbolic play.

Treatment Research Evidence for Underlying Deficit Training

Training does not improve expressive language skills and is not necessary for training expressive language.

Reed's Commonly Accepted Prevalence Rate for SLI

7%.

Matthew Effect

Children who are better at language improve more easily, widening the gap with those who struggle.

Importance of Comprehension Skills in Children with SLI

Children with delayed expressive development and noticeable comprehension deficits may show poorer outcomes.