A Sentence Repetition Task in Spanish language: a valid tool for early language assessment

ABSTRACT Purpose Sentence Repetition Tasks (SRT) have been widely used to assess early language abilities in different languages and populations. In addition, it has been proved that performance in SRTs serve as a clinical marker to detect language difficulties. However, most of the research has been conducted in English language and with children older than 4 years of age. Despite this scarcity, [1] developed a SRT for monolingual Spanish-speaking children between 2 and 4 years of age. Initial findings showed that it is a useful tool for discriminating children with different linguistic levels. In addition, the task showed concurrent validity with a nonword repetition task. In the current study we want to explore the predictive validity of this task. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study including 20 monolingual Spanish-Speaking children who were tested twice, at 33 months of age and six months later. In addition to the SRT, participants completed a nonword repetition task [2] and the Spanish version of the Merrill-Palmer-R Developmental Scales [3]. Results showed strong and positive relationships between the different tests when first assessed. We also found strong and predictive relationships between the SRT at time 1 and SRT and the Merrill-Palmer-R at time 2. Conclusion We conclude that the SRT developed [1] is a valid tool for examining early language abilities and its changes over time.

Discurso narrativo y lectura de cuentos en el hogar por padres a preescolares que presentan trastorno del lenguaje / Narrative discourse and parents' story telling at home to preschool children who present language impairment

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio es analizar el discurso narrativo productivo de estudiantes de kínder en escuelas de lenguaje de Chile, considerando Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) expresivo y mixto junto a la periodicidad de la lectura de cuentos en el hogar. Ambientes naturales enriquecidos en la familia aportan mayores oportunidades de desarrollo favoreciendo la literacidad, las habilidades lingüísticas y sociales. Los niños y niñas con TEL pueden mostrar dificultades en la narración, afectando el desempeño académico, social y en su calidad de vida. El discurso narrativo en una muestra de 150 preescolares es evaluado, utilizando un instrumento formal a través del recontado de 3 cuentos originales. Se examina la etapa del desarrollo narrativo y la lectura de cuentos realizada por padres en el hogar. Se aplica una ficha para recoger información demográfica de las familias. A través de un estudio descriptivo comparativo, se aplica estadística descriptiva e inferencial (ANOVA de dos factores) para analizar las variables. Los resultados muestran que ni el tipo de TEL, ni la frecuencia de lectura o la interacción de ambas, provocan cambios estadísticamente significativos en el discurso narrativo. Sin embargo, se observan hallazgos cualitativos en la cantidad de narración, en función de la lectura de cuentos.

ABSTRACT The study aimed to analyze the productive narrative discourse of students who attended kindergarten in special language schools in Chile, considering the expressive and mixed Specific Language Impairment (SLI) with the periodicity of reading stories at home. Enriched natural environments into the family provide better opportunities to develop early literacy, linguistic and social skills. Children with SLI may show difficulties in narration, affecting academic, social performance, and generally affecting their quality of life. The narrative discourse in a sample of 150 preschoolers was evaluated using a formal instrument that included the retelling of three original stories. The performance of narrative development and reading stories by parents at home were examined. A form was applied to collect demographic information from families. Through a comparative-descriptive study, descriptive and inferential statistics (two-way ANOVA) were used to analyze the variables. The results show that type of SLI, frequency of reading and the interaction of both variables did not cause statistically significant effects in the narrative discourse. However, qualitative findings were observed, in the quantity of oral discourse related to storytelling.

La bioética en la investigación de funciones ejecutivas en niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje / Bioethics in Researching Executive Functions in Children with Specific Language Impairment / A bioética na pesquisa de funções executivas em crianças com transtorno específico da linguagem

Resumen: En la actualidad, mucho se habla sobre bioética. Desafortunadamente, en lo que respecta a los lineamientos que deben regular y velar por la dignidad y los derechos de los niños, no existe una coherencia con el nivel de desarrollo técnico contemplado en las investigaciones en el área de los trastornos específicos del lenguaje y las funciones ejecutivas. Para esta investigación se realizaron tres búsquedas diferenciadas en bases de datos de Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile y fuentes grises con los descriptores "specific language impairment", "SLI", "executive functions", "memory", "attention", "inhibition", "bioética", "principios de bioética", "bioética infantil", "investigación científica" y "derechos del niño", reparando, específicamente, en la presencia o ausencia de lineamientos éticos declarados en su metodología o procedimiento de trabajo para analizar de forma crítica su progresión desde los años ochenta hasta la actualidad. En las conclusiones se ha evidenciado que los principios bioéticos generales no son demasiado pertinentes si no se acompañan por políticas nacionales e internacionales que velen por la dignidad de los niños. Por este motivo, contar con disposiciones bioéticas específicas y sistematizadas para la población pediátrica, en la que se incluyen los estudios de FE y TEL, es fundamental. Así es posible abolir todos los dilemas bioéticos que puedan surgir de los vacíos que las actuales leyes presentan. Por esta razón, es indispensable un replanteamiento de principios para este rango etario.

Abstract: Much is said about bioethics. Unfortunately, concerning the guidelines that must regulate and ensure the dignity and rights of children, there is no coherence with the technical development level of research on specific language impairment and executive functions. For this study, three differentiated searches were carried out in Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Library of the National Congress of Chile, and gray sources using the descriptors "specific language impairment," "SLI," "executive functions," "memory," "attention," "inhibition," "bioética," "principios de bioética," "bioética infantil," "investigación científica," and "derechos del niño." We paid particular attention to the presence or absence of ethical guidelines in the methods or working procedures to critically analyze their progression from the eighties to these days. The conclusions show that general bioethical principles are irrelevant if not accompanied by national and international policies that safeguard the dignity of children. Having specific and systematized bioethical provisions for the pediatric population, including fe and tel studies, will solve all the bioethical dilemmas that may arise from the loopholes in current laws. Therefore, rethinking the principles for this age range is crucial.

Resumo: Na atualidade, muito se fala sobre bioética. Infelizmente, no que diz respeito aos lineamentos que devem regularizar e zelar pela dignidade e pelos direitos das crianças, não há uma coerência com o nível de desenvolvimento técnico contemplado nas pesquisas na área dos transtornos específicos da linguagem e das funções executivas. Para esta pesquisa, foram realizadas três buscas diferenciadas em bases de dados de Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile e fontes da literatura cinzenta com os descritores "specific language impairment", "sli", "executive functions", "memory", "attention", "inhibition", "bioética", "principios de bioética", "bioética infantil", "investigación científica" e "derechos del niño", salientando, em específico, a presença ou a ausência de lineamentos éticos declarados em sua metodologia ou procedimento de trabalho para analisar de forma crítica sua progressão desde os anos 1980 até a atualidade. Nas conclusões, evidencia-se que os princípios bioéticos gerais não são muito pertinentes se não são acompanhados por políticas nacionais e internacionais que zelem pela dignidade das crianças. Por esse motivo, contar com disposições bioéticas específicas e sistematizadas para a população pediátrica, na qual são incluídos os estudos de fe e tel, é fundamental. Assim, é possível abolir todos os dilemas bioéticos que possam surgir das lacunas que as atuais leis apresentam. Por essa razão, é indispensável uma reconsideração de princípios para essa faixa etária.

Funciones Ejecutivas en Estudiantes con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje al Comienzo de la Escolarización Básica / Executive Functions in Students with Specific Language Impairment at the Beginning of Elementary Education

Resumen Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) constituyen un conjunto de habilidades implicadas en el control y regulación del funcionamiento cognitivo. La relación entre fe y desarrollo del lenguaje es especialmente relevante en la conceptualización de los trastornos lingüísticos. El objetivo del estudio consistió en explorar el uso diferencial de fe en dos grupos: Desarrollo Lingüístico Típico (DLT) y Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Participaron 44 estudiantes (56,82 % niños), 22 DLT y 22 TEL, con edades entre 6,00-6,92 años (M=6.17, DT=.19). El factor diagnóstico previo mostró efectos significativos en atención ejecutiva (p<.001, η2 parcial =.77), memoria de trabajo (p<.001, if parcial =.67), flexibilidad cognitiva (p<.01, η2 parcial =.15), y planificación (p<.001, η2 parcial =.63). En todos los casos, salvo en flexibilidad cognitiva, el tamaño del efecto fue fuerte. Los resultados avalarían la tesis de no especificidad en TEL y la posible presencia de disfunciones cognitivas generales que subyacen al trastorno.

Abstract The executive functions (EF) constitute a set of skills involved in the control and regulation of cognitive functioning. The relation between EF and the development of language is especially relevant regarding the conceptualization of linguistic disorders. This study aims to explore the differential use of EF between two groups: Typical Language Development (TLD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). The participants were 44 students (56,82% boys), 22 TLD and 22 SLI, with ages between 6,00-6,92 years (M=6.17, SD=.19). The previous diagnostic factor showed significant effects in executive attention (p<.001, η2 partial =.77), working memory (p<.001, η2 partial =.67), cognitive flexibility (p<.01, η2 partial =.15), and planning (p< .001, η2 partial =.63). In every case, except for cognitive flexibility, the effect was strong. The results would support the thesis of non-specificity in the SLI and the possible presence of general cognitive dysfunctions that underlie the disorder.

Estructura lingüística y Teoría de la Mente en trastorno del lenguaje / Language form and the theory of mind in language impairment

El concepto de Teoría de la Mente (ToM, de su sigla en inglés) hace referencia a la capacidad de ponerse en el lugar de la otra persona y ser así capaz de interpretar creencias, deseos e intenciones de otros. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar el tipo de relación entre la adquisición de la forma del lenguaje y el desarrollo de la Teoría de la Mente en niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje TEL tipo mixto y en niños con desarrollo típico, debido a que la literatura en relación con el tema es escasa y se focaliza principalmente en niños con autismo. La investigación se llevó a cabo mediante una metodología de tipo cuantitativa, un diseño no experimental-transversal y un alcance descriptivo y correlacional. Los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar el desarrollo de la estructura del lenguaje fueron el Test de Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica TEPROSIF-R y el Test de Comprensión Auditiva de E-Carrow TECAL; en tanto, para determinar el desarrollo de la ToM se utilizaron la prueba de Sally y Anne y la prueba de Mentalización. La muestra fue no probabilística y estuvo constituida por 28 niños con TEL mixto (grupo estudio) y 28 niños con desarrollo normal (grupo control) de 5 a 6 años, 11 meses. Los resultados indicaron que existe una relación entre el desarrollo de la teoría de la mente y el desarrollo de la estructura del lenguaje en su modalidad expresiva y comprensiva, principalmente en los niños con TEL mixto. A partir de estos resultados se puede concluir que es necesario intervenir desde el quehacer fonoaudiológico, además de las habilidades lingüísticas, aquellas habilidades asociadas con la Teoría de la Mente.

The concept of Theory of Mind ToM refers to the ability to put oneself in the other person's place and be able to interpret beliefs, desires and intentions of others. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between the development of the language form and the ToM in children with mixed Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and children with typical language development because the literature on the topic is limited and it focuses mainly on children with autism. The research was carried out using a quantitative methodology, a non-experimental-cross-sectional design, and a descriptive and correlational scope. The instrument used to determinate the development of the language structure were Test de Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica (TEPROSIF-R) and Test de Comprensión Auditiva de E-Carrow (TECAL); meanwhile, to evaluate the development of the ToM were used Sally and Anne Task and Mentalization test. The sample consisted on 28 children with SLI (study group) and 28 children with normal language development (control group) from 5 to 6,11 years old. The results indicate that there is a relationship between the development of the ToM and the development of the structure of language in its expressive and comprehensive modality, mainly in children with Mixed SLI. From these results, it is concluded that it is necessary to intervene not only linguistic abilities but also those abilities related to ToM from the speech therapist tasks.

Relación entre memoria secuencial auditiva, integración auditiva y desempeño fonológico en niños de 3 años a 3 años 11 meses con trastorno específico del lenguaje de tipo expresivo / Relationship between auditory sequential memory, auditory integration and phonological performance in children from 3 to 3 years 11 months with expressive specific language impairment

La presente investigación tiene por objetivo estudiar la correlación entre las habilidades de memoria secuencial auditiva (MSA), integración auditiva (IA) y el desempeño fonológico en 24 niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL) expresivo de un rango etario de 3 años a 3 años 11 meses que asisten a una escuela especial de lenguaje. Los participantes fueron evaluados mediante la aplicación de dos subtest del Test Illinois de Aptitudes Psicolingüísticas (subtest de MSA y subtest de IA), y el Test para Evaluar los Procesos de Simplificación Fonológica Revisado (TEPROSIF-R). Los resultados muestran una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre memoria secuencial auditiva, integración auditiva y desempeño fonológico. Al analizar los datos dividiendo la muestra en dos grupos etarios se observa que, para el grupo etario de 3 años a 3 años 5 meses existe una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre MSA, IA y desempeño fonológico. En cambio, para el grupo etario de 3 años 6 meses a 3 años 11 meses se observa la misma tendencia sinalcanzar valores estadísticamente significativos. Esto sugiere que la relación entre estas variables disminuye a medida que los niños se acercan a su cuarto año de vida.

The present research aims to study the correlation between auditory sequential memory capacity (ASM), auditory integration (AI) abilities, and phonological performance in 24 children with expressive specific language impairment, with an age range between 3 and 3 years and 11 months, who attend a special language school. Participants were evaluated through two subtests of the Illinois Psycholinguistic Aptitudes Test (an ASM subtest and an AIsubtest), and the Test to Evaluate the Phonological Simplification Processes Revised (TEPROSIF-R). The results indicate a statistically significant correlation between sequential auditory memory, auditory integration and phonological performance. When analyzing the data by dividing the sample into two age groups. When analyzing the data dividing the sample into two age groups, we observed that, for the age group between 3 and 3 years and 5 months there is a statistically significant correlation between auditory sequential memory, auditory integration and phonological performance. For the age group from 3 years 6 months to 3 years 11 months the same trend is observed without reaching statistically significant values. This suggests that the relationship between these variables decreases as children approach their fourth year of life.

Impacts of Vocal Rehearsal and Retention Duration on Novel Word Naming in Children with Specific Language Impairment / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore impacts of vocal rehearsal and retention duration on novel word naming in children with specific language impairment (SLI). Methods:November to December, 2017, 45 children from kindergartens were selected in SLI group (n = 15), physiological age matching group (n = 15) and language ability matching group (n = 15). A three-factor mixed experimental design was used to investigate the effects of three factors: groups, vocal rehearsal (with/without) and retention duration (ten seconds/five minutes). Results:The main effects of groups (F = 3.706, P < 0.05), vocal rehearsal (F = 25.570, P < 0.001) and retention duration (F = 226.746, P < 0.001) were significant. The interaction effects of vocal rehearsal×retention duration (F = 22.808, P < 0.001) and retention duration×groups (F = 3.739, P < 0.05) were significant. The interaction effects between other factors were not significant. Conclusion:There are novel word naming learning defects in SLI children. However, the vocal rehearsal strategy may promote novel word naming learning and reduce the decline of novel word phonological information in short-term memory, to improve the phenomenon of novel word naming defects.

La Musicoterapia Neurológica como modelo de Neurorrehabilitación / Neurologic Music Therapy as a Neurorehabilitation model

Resumen La musicoterapia neurológica (NMT) está siendo implementada en hospitales y centros de neurorrehabilitación alrededor del mundo gracias a la abundante evidencia neurocientífica y al creciente interés por los efectos de la música en el cerebro. Siendo reconocida y avalada por la World Federation for Neurorehabilitation, la musicoterapia neurológica es utilizada como intervención no-farmacológica y no-invasiva para tratar a pacientes con trastornos neurológicos que presentan disfunciones cognitivas, motoras, y/o del lenguaje. Este artículo busca dar a conocer a esta disciplina como un método efectivo y basado en evidencia para tratar los desórdenes neurológicos.

Abstract Neurologic music therapy (NMT) is being implemented in hospitals and neurorehabilitation facilities around the world, thanks to the abundant neuroscience research and to the growing interest in the effects of music on the brain. Recognized and endorsed by the World Federation for Neurorehabilitation, neurologic music therapy is utilized as a non-pharmacological, non-invasive intervention to treat patients with neurologic disease that present cognitive, motor, and/or language impairments. This article aspires to introduce this discipline as an effective, evidence-based method of treatment for neurologic disease.

Habilidades lingüísticas y decodificación en niños con trastorno específico del lenguaje con y sin dificultades de comprensión lectora / Linguistic skills and decoding among children with specific language impairment with and without reading comprehension difficulties

Los niños con TEL son considerados un grupo de riesgo para el aprendizaje del lenguaje escrito, dado que sus dificultades lingüísticas pueden influir en su desempeño en comprensión lectora, aunque esto no necesariamente ocurre en todos los niños con TEL. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar el desempeño en las habilidades lingüísticas y decodificación entre niños con TEL que se agruparon según la presencia o ausencia de dificultades en comprensión lectora. La muestra estuvo constituida por 60 niños con TEL de primer año básico, 42 de ellos con problemas de comprensión lectora y 18 niños que no presentaban dificultad en este aspecto. Se evaluaron habilidades lectoras (decodificación y comprensión lectora) y habilidades lingüísticas (conciencia fonológica, vocabulario y discurso narrativo expresivo y comprensivo). Los resultados muestran que no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las habilidades lingüísticas entre niños con y sin dificultades de comprensión lectora. En cuanto a la decodificación, se observa un rendimiento significativamente inferior en el grupo de niños con dificultades de comprensión lectora. En este grupo, conciencia fonológica y decodificación están altamente correlacionadas con la comprensión lectora, mientras que estas mismas variables no se correlacionan en los niños sin problemas de comprensión lectora.

Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) are deemed to be a group at risk in learning written language. Their linguistic deficit may impact on their reading comprehension performance, although this not the case for all children with SLI. The aim ofthis study is to observe the possible differences in linguistic and decoding skills in children with SLI with and without reading comprehension problems. The sample consisted of 60 first grade children with SLI, of which 42 are poor comprehenders and 18 are good comprehenders. Reading skills (decoding and reading comprehension) and linguistic skills (phonological awareness, vocabulary as well as expressive and comprehensive narrative speech) were assessed. Results show that there are no statistically significant differences in linguistic skills between good comprehenders and poor comprehender. Significant differences were found for decoding, with children with reading comprehension problems performing significantly lower than good comprehenders. In the group of children with reading comprehension problems, phonological awareness and decoding highly correlate with reading comprehension, while the very same variables have no correlation among children with good reading comprehension.

Decodificación y comprensión lectora en escolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje / Decoding and reading comprehension in children with specific language impairment

El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir el desempeño en decodificación y en comprensión lectora de escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Para ello, se trabajó con 58 niños de 2do básico, distribuidos en dos grupos: uno de 29 escolares con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) y otro de 29 escolares con desarrollo típico (DT). Las habilidades evaluadas fueron decodificación y comprensión lectora. Los resultados generales mostraron que el grupo con TEL presentó un menor desempeño que los niños con DT en ambas habilidades lectoras. Los menores con TEL tendieron a mostrar un mejor rendimiento en decodificación que en comprensión lectora. Respecto a la decodificación, los resultados mostraron que los niños con TEL lograban decodificar palabras comunes y trisilábicas. En cuanto a comprensión lectora, comprendían frases, oraciones y textos. Sin embargo, en el nivel del texto evidenciaron dificultades para responder las preguntas inferenciales y en el reconocimiento de la idea central.

This study was conducted to describe the reading performance of schoolers with Specific Language Impairment (SLI), observing their decoding skills and reading comprehension. A sample of 58 children of a second-grade primary school was studied, evenly grouped in two conditions: SLI and TLD (Typical Language Development). General results show that children with SLI perform lower than children with TLD on decoding and reading comprehension. Results for decoding skills showed that SLI children were able to decode trisyllabic words and common words. As for reading comprehension abilities, children were able to understand phrases, complete sentences, and give a proper title to the texts they read.

Rendimiento lector en estudiantes con trastorno específico de lenguaje / Reading performance of students with specific language impairment

El objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar información sobre el rendimiento lector de 24 estudiantes de 4o año de educación básica, que presentan diagnóstico de Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) y que asisten a escuelas públicas y particulares subvencionadas en Santiago de Chile. Se evaluó de manera individual decodificación y comprensión lectora en estos estudiantes y también en un grupo control compuesto por escolares con Desarrollo Típico del Lenguaje (DTL). Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes con TEL poseen diferencias de rendimiento significativas en los promedios obtenidos en las pruebas de comprensión lectora, en comparación al grupo DTL. Este bajo rendimiento no se explica por dificultades en decodificación, ya que en este proceso los promedios alcanzados fueron similares en ambos grupos. Además, a partir del análisis individual de los casos que componen el grupo TEL, se identifica alta variabilidad en sus perfiles lectores. Igualmente, se observa ausencia de correlación entre ambos procesos de lectura en los niños con este déficit lingüístico. Se discuten resultados a partir de le evidencia recogida en el área y desde la Visión Simple de la Lectura (VSL).

The purpose of this study is to provide information about the reading performance of 24 4th graders with have Specific Language Impairment (SLI) attending public and private subsidized schools in Santiago, Chile. Specifically, decoding and reading comprehension were assessed for all students (children with SLI and typical children -TLD-from a contrast group). The results show that students with SLI have significant performance differences on reading comprehension tests when compared to TLD group. Low performance is not explained by difficulties in decoding, since means for decoding are similar in both groups. Also, by means of an individual analysis of data from children with SLI, it was possible to identify a high diversity in their reading profile. There was no correlation between both reading processes among children with SLI. Results are discussed based on the evidence collected in the area and from the Simple Reading Vision (SRV).

Executive functions assessment in patients with language impairment: a systematic review / Avaliação das funções executivas em pacientes com comprometimento de linguagem: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Acquired language impairments may accompany different conditions. Most recent studies have shown that there is an important relationship between language and cognitive functions, such as executive functions (EF). Therefore, we aimed to investigate which main EF components appear to have the greatest impact in the most prevalent acquired communication disorders in adults, and which neuropsychological tests are being used to evaluate them. In addition, we sought to characterize the relationship between the executive functions and language in these conditions. Working memory (WM) was the most frequently chosen cognitive measure, being evaluated by different span tasks. A relationship between WM and narrative and conversational discourse, writing abilities and grammatical comprehension was found. Other currently used cognitive tests included the Trail Making, Wisconsin, Stroop and Verbal Fluency tests. Language and EF have a complex relationship; hence, a complete assessment should reflect the dynamic processing of cognitive brain functions.

Resumo Distúrbios de linguagem adquiridas podem acompanhar diferentes quadros. Estudos recentes mostram que existe uma relação importante entre linguagem e funções cognitivas, como as funções executivas (FE). Portanto, visou-se investigar quais os principais componentes das FE parecem ter um maior impacto nos quadros com transtornos de comunicação adquiridos mais prevalentes em adultos e quais testes neuropsicológicos estão sendo mais utilizados para avaliá-los. Além disso, buscamos caracterizar qual a relação entre as funções executivas e a linguagem nesses quadros. A memória de trabalho (MT) foi a medida cognitiva mais frequentemente citada, sendo avaliada por diferentes tarefas de Span. Encontrou-se relação entre MT e discurso narrativo e conversacional, habilidades de escrita e compreensão gramatical. Outros testes cognitivos usados incluem os testes Trail Making, Wisconsin, Stroop e Verbal Fluency. Linguagem e EF têm uma relação complexa e, portanto, uma avaliação completa desses pacientes deve refletir o dinâmico processamento do funcionamento cognitivo.

Discurso narrativo en preescolares con trastorno específico del lenguaje y con desarrollo típico / Narrative discourse in preschool children with specific language impairment and typically developing children

En esta investigación se realizó un análisis de la producción y comprensión del discurso en preescolares de la comuna de Talca, Séptima región de Chile. El objetivo fue comparar el desempeño en la producción y comprensión del discurso narrativo de pre escolares con Trastorno Específico de Lenguaje con el desempeño de preescolares que presentan desarrollo típico. Para ello, se evaluó a niñas y niños que se encontraban cursando primer nivel de transición en una escuela de lenguaje y párvulos de la comuna de Talca. Este estudio presenta un enfoque cuantitativo con un diseño descriptivo - explicativo. La muestra contó con 40 estudiantes, 20 con Trastorno específico del lenguaje y 20 con desarrollo típico. Al comparar ambos grupos, los resultados indican que no se apreciandiferencias significativas en la producción narrativa entre ambos grupos de niños, sin embargo, sí se presentan diferencias significativas en la comprensión del discurso, a favor de los niños con desarrollo típico de lenguaje

This study considered the analysis of the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by a group of preschool children in Talca, Chile. The main objective was to compare the production and comprehension of narrative discourse by preschool children with SLI and typically developing children. All children were assessed on both skills. The study adopted a descriptive-comparative design. The sample comprised 40 children: 20 children with SLI and 20 with TLD. After comparing both groups, results showed no significant differences on narrative discourse production. However, significant differences were found in narrative comprehension: children with TLD performed higher than children with SLI

Clinical Implications of Social Communication Disorder

Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SCD) is a new diagnosis included under communication disorders in the neurodevelopmental disorders section of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5. SCD is defined as a primary deficit in the social use of nonverbal and verbal communication. SCD has very much in common with pragmatic language impairment, which is characterized by difficulties in understanding and using language in context and following the social rules of language, despite relative strengths in word knowledge and grammar. SCD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are similar in that they both involve deficits in social communication skills, however individuals with SCD do not demonstrate restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, insistence on sameness, or sensory abnormalities. It is essential to rule out a diagnosis of ASD by verifying the lack of these additional symptoms, current or past. The criteria for SCD are qualitatively different from those of ASD and are not equivalent to those of mild ASD. It is clinically important that SCD should be differentiated from high-functioning ASD (such as Asperger syndrome) and nonverbal learning disabilities. The ultimate goals are the refinement of the conceptualization, development and validation of assessment tools and interventions, and obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the shared and unique etiologic factors for SCD in relation to those of other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Un estudio de la relación entre la memoria, la narrativa y el lenguaje en alumnado con trastorno específico del lenguaje (TEL) / A Study of the Relationship between Memory, Narrative and Language in Pupils with Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

En esta investigación se estudiaron las relaciones entre el lenguaje, la narrativa y la memoria en alumnado con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 32 alumnos con TEL y 23 niños con desarrollo típico, diagnosticados con el CELF-3, el Peabody, el ITPA, el Subtest de Dígitos del WISC-IV, el Subtest de Localización Espacial de la WMS-III y la tarea del recontado del cuento Rana, ¿dónde estás?. Los resultados obtenidos relacionan estrechamente la memoria de trabajo y la superestructura narrativa. Además, se distinguen tres subtipos de TEL atendiendo al déficit en memoria. Finalmente, entre todas las dimensiones que conforman el diagnóstico del TEL, son los problemas narrativos los que permiten advertir de mayores dificultades en la memoria.

This research studied the links between language, narrative and memory in Specific Language Impairments (SLI) students. The sample consisted of 32 children diagnosed with SLI and 23 typically developed children, according to different tests as CELF-3, Peabody, ITPA, Digit Span subtest of the WISC-IV, Spatial Span subtest of the WMS-III and the task of retelling the tale Frog, where are you?. The results show a close connection between working memory and narrative superstructure. Besides, three SLI subtypes could be differentiated according to the memory deficits. Finally, among all dimensions that allow the diagnosis of SLI, the narrative problems aware us of bigger memory difficulties.

Exposición a televisión y retardo primario del lenguaje en menores de 5 años / Exposure to television viewing and delayed primary language development in children younger than 5 years

Introducción: además del impacto en los hallazgos genéticos planteados en la actualidad, en estudios recientes se enfatiza en 2 factores de impacto ambiental: la interacción verbal padre-hijo y la exposición del niño a medios electrónicos (televisión, videos, computadoras) con interesantes implicaciones en el desarrollo del lenguaje. Objetivo: evaluar la exposición a la televisión como factor de riesgo en el desarrollo del lenguaje, en niños entre 18 meses y 5 años de edad. Métodos: estudio analítico caso-control, en niños entre 18 meses y 5 años, atendidos en la consulta de Neuropediatría del Hospital Pediátrico Juan Manuel Márquez por retardo del lenguaje, entre enero de 2010 y julio de 2011, en relación con un grupo control de niños sanos. Resultados: el retardo primario del lenguaje es más frecuente en niños procedentes de familias de nivel universitario en más del 80 por ciento, que presentan una exposición más prolongada (p= 0,0001) y precoz (p= 0,001) a la televisión. Conclusiones: se consideran factores de riesgo para el retardo primario del lenguaje, la exposición a la televisión antes de los 2 años de edad y por más de 2 horas al día

Introduction: in addition to the impact of the genetic findings at present, recent studies emphasize two factors of environmental impact such as verbal interaction between father and child, and the child exposure to the electronic media (television, video, and computers) with interesting implications on the language development. Objective: to evaluate the child exposure to television viewing as a risk factor in the development of language in children aged 18 months to 5 years. Methods: analytical case-control study of children aged 18 months to 5 years, who were attended to in the neuropediatric service of Juan Manuel Marquez pediatric hospital because of language impairment, from January 2010 to July 2011, and a control group of healthy children. Results: the primary language impairment is more common in children from university education families in over 80 percent , who presented with longer (p= 0.0001) and earlier (p= 0.001) exposure to television viewing. Conclusions: risk factors for primary language impairment were considered to be exposure to television viewing before the 2 years of age for more than two hours a day

The Differences in Clinical Aspect Between Specific Language Impairment and Global Developmental Delay

OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze the clinical characteristics of children with delayed language acquisition due to two different diagnoses, which were specific language impairment (SLI, a primarily delayed language development) and global developmental delay (GDD, a language delay related to cognitive impairment). METHODS: Among 1,598 children who had visited the developmental delay clinic from March 2005 to February 2011, 467 children who were diagnosed with GDD and 183 children who were diagnosed with SLI were included in this study. All children were questioned about past, family, and developmental history, and their language competences and cognitive function were assessed. Some children got electroencephalography (EEG), in case of need. RESULTS: The presence of the perinatal risk factors showed no difference in two groups. In the children with GDD, they had more delayed acquisition of independent walking and more frequent EEG abnormalities compared with the children with SLI (p<0.01). The positive family history of delayed language development was more prevalent in children with SLI (p<0.01). In areas of language ability, the quotient of receptive language and expressive language did not show any meaningful statistical differences between the two groups. Analyzing in each group, the receptive language quotient was higher than expressive language quotient in both group (p<0.01). In the GDD group, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II) showed a marked low mental and motor quotient while the Wechsler Intelligence Scale showed low verbal and nonverbal IQ. In the SLI group, the BSID-II and Wechsler Intelligence Scale showed low scores in mental area and verbal IQ but sparing motor area and nonverbal IQ. CONCLUSION: The linguistic profiles of children with language delay could not differentiate between SLI and GDD. The clinicians needed to be aware of these developmental issues, and history taking and clinical evaluation, including cognitive assessment, could be helpful to diagnose adequately and set the treatment plan for each child.

Why Is It Difficult to Predict Language Impairment and Outcome in Patients with Aphasia after Stroke?

One of the most devastating consequences of stroke is aphasia. Communication problems after stroke can severely impair the patient's quality of life and make even simple everyday tasks challenging. Despite intense research in the field of aphasiology, the type of language impairment has not yet been localized and correlated with brain damage, making it difficult to predict the language outcome for stroke patients with aphasia. Our primary objective is to present the available evidence that highlights the difficulties of predicting language impairment after stroke. The different levels of complexity involved in predicting the lesion site from language impairment and ultimately predicting the long-term outcome in stroke patients with aphasia were explored. Future directions and potential implications for research and clinical practice are highlighted.

El uso del artículo en niños hispanohablantes con trastorno específico del lenguaje / The use of the article by spanish–speaking children with language impairment

Los niños hispanohablantes con desarrollo típico del lenguaje (DTL) y los menores con Trastorno Específico/Primario del Lenguaje (TEL/TPL) en edades escolares continúan cometiendo errores semánticos y pragmáticos que generan omisiones y sustituciones del artículo. Los artículos definidos parecen ser vulnerables a pesar de la variabilidad metodológica y de las diferencias socioculturales y lingüísticas de las investigaciones previas respecto del tema. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar el uso de los artículos en individuos con TEL. Participaron 45 niños monolingües, hablantes de español, habitantes de México entre 4;0 y 8;0: 1) 15 niños con TEL; 2) 15 niños juntados por edad con DTL; 3) 15 niños juntados por lenguaje con DTL. La tarea experimental consistió en la presentación de juguetes organizados por clases semánticas, las que fueron acompañadas por preguntas que provocaran el uso de artículos definidos, indefinidos y sustantivos escuetos. Los niños con TEL usaron significativamente menos artículos definidos y menos funciones semánticas (roles y sustantivos genéricos) que los grupos con DTL. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en otras funciones (parte - todo o comunes). Los artículos indefinidos y sustantivos escuetos fueron usados en la misma proporción. En la discusión se explica la dificultad de ciertas funciones semánticas abstractas, en contraste con aquellas funciones ligadas a entidades concretas. Este estudio contribuye a comprender los patrones de uso de los artículos, para su inclusión en futuras pruebas de identificación del TEL en español.

Spanish-speaking children with Typical Language Development (TLD) and children with Language Impairment (LI) still commit semantic and pragmatic errors in their school years generating article omissions and substitutions. Definite articles seem to be vulnerable, despite the methodological variability, sociocultural and linguistic differences, among previous research. Forty-five monolingual Spanish-speakers living in Mexico between 4;0 and 8;0 participated: 1) 15 children with LI; 2) 15 children with TLD matched by age; 3) 15 children with TLD matched by language level with the first group. The experimental task consisted in the presentation of toys organized by semantic groups and accompanied by questions that elicit definite and indefinite articles, and bare nouns. Children with LI used significantly less definite articles and less semantic functions (roles and generic nouns) than the TLD groups. No significant differences were found in part-whole and common functions. Indefinites and bare nouns were used in the same proportion. It is explained that some abstract semantic functions carry an additional difficulty, in contrast with functions that are related to concrete entities. This study contributes to the understanding of patterns of article usage for their further inclusion in new tools that identify SLI.

Narraciones escritas en niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL) / Written Narration in Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

El presente estudio examinó las narraciones escritas, así como la influencia de las variables lingüísticas sobre la competencia narrativa de los niños con Trastorno Específico del Lenguaje (TEL). Veinticinco niños con TEL y 25 niños con desarrollo normal del lenguaje, equilibrados en edad e inteligencia, realizaron una tarea de narración escrita. Los resultados indican que ambos grupos difieren en la producción de narraciones. Los niños con TEL no solo escribieron historias más cortas, sino también de menor organización y coherencia. Además cometieron significativamente más errores de ortografía natural y de sintaxis. Los análisis de regresión jerárquica mostraron que diferentes medidas lingüísticas -memoria secuencial auditiva, comprensión auditiva y expresión verbal- tienen un peso predictivo de la competencia narrativa.

The present study examined the written narrations and the influence of linguistic measures on narrative competence of children with specific language impairment (SLI). A narration task was used to assess narrative abilities in 25 children with SLI and 25 normally developing children, matched on age and IQ. Results indicated that the two groups did differ in the production of narratives. The children with SLI provided short narratives, poorly organized and less cohesive. Also, writings were characterized by more syntax errors and had high proportion of phonologically inaccurate spelling errors. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that different linguistic measures - auditory comprehension, verbal fluency and sequential auditory memory - played a predictive role in narrative competence.