Desempenho de pré-escolares e escolares no protocolo ProNOH: aspectos macroestruturais / Performance of preschool and schoolchildren on the ProNOH protocol: macrostructure aspects

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar se o escore narrativo obtido por meio da aplicação do "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" permite discriminar os grupos etários estudados, bem como sua relação com o nível de coerência global da história. Método Participaram 97 pré-escolares e escolares com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, entre 5 e 12 anos, ambos os sexos que frequentavam escola pública. Foi aplicado o "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" e calculado o escore narrativo na dimensão macroestrutural a partir dos elementos estruturais previstos no modelo da gramática de história. Esses mesmos elementos foram usados para obter o nível de coerência global da história, segundo proposta de análise de Spinillo e Martins (1997). Resultados Diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada entre os grupos etários, principalmente entre as idades fronteiriças de 5-6 anos, 7-8 anos, 9-10 anos e 11-12 anos. Correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante foi encontrada com a idade e o escore narrativo e a coerência global, bem como entre o escore narrativo e o nível de coerência global. Conclusão O protocolo mostrou ser útil para identificar o repertório de elementos típicos da gramática de história na narrativa oral como uma medida objetiva que diferenciou a narrativa oral de grupos etários. Os resultados indicaram ainda que o escore narrativo pode ser uma medida norteadora do nível de coerência da história, apesar deste valor não substituir uma análise específica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate if the narrative score of the ProNOH protocol allows for discriminating age groups, as well as its relation with the global coherence level of the story. The performance of preschool and schoolchildren on the macrostructure aspects. Methods Participants were 97 preschoolers and schoolchildren with typical language development, aged between five and 12 years old, and both sexes who attended public schools. The "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" (Protocol for the Evaluation of Oral Storytelling) was applied and the narrative score in the macrostructure dimension was calculated with story grammar elements. These same story elements were used to obtain the global coherence level of the story, as proposed by Spinillo and Martins (1997). Results A statistically significant difference was found between age groups, mainly between the borderline ages of 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, and 11-12 years. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between the narrative score and global coherence and age, as well as between the narrative score and global coherence. Conclusion The protocol proved to be useful for identifying the repertoire of typical story grammar elements as an objective measure that differs in oral narrative across age groups. The results also indicate that the narrative score can provide an idea about the global coherence of the story, although this value does not replace a specific analysis.

Performance of preschool and schoolchildren on the ProNOH protocol: macrostructure aspects. / Desempenho de pré-escolares e escolares no protocolo ProNOH: aspectos macroestruturais.

PURPOSE: To investigate if the narrative score of the ProNOH protocol allows for discriminating age groups, as well as its relation with the global coherence level of the story. The performance of preschool and schoolchildren on the macrostructure aspects. METHODS: Participants were 97 preschoolers and schoolchildren with typical language development, aged between five and 12 years old, and both sexes who attended public schools. The "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" (Protocol for the Evaluation of Oral Storytelling) was applied and the narrative score in the macrostructure dimension was calculated with story grammar elements. These same story elements were used to obtain the global coherence level of the story, as proposed by Spinillo and Martins (1997). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between age groups, mainly between the borderline ages of 5-6 years, 7-8 years, 9-10 years, and 11-12 years. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between the narrative score and global coherence and age, as well as between the narrative score and global coherence. CONCLUSION: The protocol proved to be useful for identifying the repertoire of typical story grammar elements as an objective measure that differs in oral narrative across age groups. The results also indicate that the narrative score can provide an idea about the global coherence of the story, although this value does not replace a specific analysis.

OBJETIVO: Investigar se o escore narrativo obtido por meio da aplicação do "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" permite discriminar os grupos etários estudados, bem como sua relação com o nível de coerência global da história. MÉTODO: Participaram 97 pré-escolares e escolares com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, entre 5 e 12 anos, ambos os sexos que frequentavam escola pública. Foi aplicado o "Protocolo de Avaliação da Narrativa Oral de História (ProNOH)" e calculado o escore narrativo na dimensão macroestrutural a partir dos elementos estruturais previstos no modelo da gramática de história. Esses mesmos elementos foram usados para obter o nível de coerência global da história, segundo proposta de análise de Spinillo e Martins (1997). RESULTADOS: Diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada entre os grupos etários, principalmente entre as idades fronteiriças de 5-6 anos, 7-8 anos, 9-10 anos e 11-12 anos. Correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante foi encontrada com a idade e o escore narrativo e a coerência global, bem como entre o escore narrativo e o nível de coerência global. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo mostrou ser útil para identificar o repertório de elementos típicos da gramática de história na narrativa oral como uma medida objetiva que diferenciou a narrativa oral de grupos etários. Os resultados indicaram ainda que o escore narrativo pode ser uma medida norteadora do nível de coerência da história, apesar deste valor não substituir uma análise específica.

Sentence contexts and cloze probabilities for Brazilian Portuguese children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: In this study we investigated a set of 100 sentence contexts and their cloze probabilities to develop a database of linguistic stimuli for Brazilian Portuguese children and adolescents. The study also examined age-related changes on cloze probabilities, and specified the predictor effects of age and cloze probabilities on idiosyncratic responses and errors (semantic, syntactic, and other errors). Finally, the study also aimed to shed light on cultural effects on word generation by comparing Brazilian and Portuguese sentence databases. METHOD: 361 typically developing monolingual Brazilian speakers, with ages ranging from 7 to 18 years, participated in the study. The cloze task was composed by 100 sentence contexts, grounded on the European Portuguese database. Responses were classified as valid (correct) or invalid (semantic, syntactic, and other-type errors). Statistical analyses were based on mixed-effects logistic models. RESULTS: Sixty-three sentences met criteria for high cloze probabilities, 30 for medium cloze, and 7 for low cloze. Age was a significant predictor of idiosyncratic responses, semantic and syntactic errors: older participants were less likely to produce idiosyncratic responses, as well as semantic and syntactic errors. Cloze probability values were concordant in the Brazilian and Portuguese databases for 31 out of 49 (83.7%) high-cloze sentences and for 7 low-cloze sentences. CONCLUSION: In this study we have provided a database with cloze probability values for a set of 100 sentence-final word contexts for Brazilian Portuguese children and adolescents. Results showed that both age and sentence contextual level predicted sentence final word completion. Older participants were more likely to choose more consistently the same final word, with the contextual level of a given sentence also contributing to the final word selection. Age should be controlled for in future studies probing semantic processing with this set of sentences.

Oral narrative structure and coherence of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. / Estrutura e coerência da narrativa oral de crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to characterize and compare the use of typical story grammar elements and global coherence level in the oral narrative of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with the narrative of children without the disorder and with typical development. METHODS: A total of 40 children of both sexes aged 5 to 10 years who attended elementary school participated in the study, 20 of whom were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD Group), and 20 with typical development (TD Group). Participants from each group were similar in sex, chronological age, schooling and socioeconomic status. The wordless picture book Frog, Where Are You? was used to elicit the oral narrative analyzed for the presence of the main typical elements of the story schema (character, theme/topic, event/plot and outcome), and afterwards their narration was classified according to four different levels of organization corresponding to the global story coherence level. RESULTS: The ADHD Group presented lower scores on the structural elements "theme/ topic" and "outcome" and a narrative with lower degree of coherence compared to the TD Group. CONCLUSION: The children with ADHD included in this study presented difficulties to use typical story grammar elements, mainly related to the maintenance of the central theme and outcome of the story. These elements are considered fundamental for construction of narrative coherence, which justifies the lower levels of global coherence found in the oral narrative of the ADHD Group.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar e comparar o uso de elementos típicos da gramática de história e o nível de coerência global na narrativa oral de crianças com Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade à narrativa de crianças sem o transtorno e com desenvolvimento típico. MÉTODO: Participaram 40 crianças com idade entre 5 e 10 anos, de ambos os sexos, que frequentavam o ensino fundamental, sendo 20 com diagnóstico de Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (Grupo TDAH) e 20 com desenvolvimento típico (Grupo TD). Os participantes de cada grupo eram semelhantes quanto ao sexo, idade cronológica, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico. O livro "Frog Where Are You?" foi utilizado para eliciar a narrativa oral de história, que foi analisada quanto à presença dos principais elementos típicos do esquema de história (personagem, tema/tópico, evento/trama e desfecho) e posteriormente classificada dentre quatro diferentes níveis crescentes de organização, correspondendo ao nível de coerência global da história. RESULTADOS: O grupo TDAH apresentou menor pontuação nos elementos estruturais "tema/tópico" e "desfecho" e narrativa com grau de coerência inferior quando comparado ao grupo TD. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças com TDAH deste estudo apresentaram dificuldades no uso de elementos típicos da gramática de história, principalmente relacionados com a manutenção do tema central e desfecho da história. Tais elementos são considerados fundamentais para a construção do sentido da narrativa, o que justifica os níveis inferiores de coerência encontrados na narrativa oral do grupo TDAH.

Performance of Brazilian Portuguese speakers in the Test of Narrative Language (TNL). / Desempenho de falantes do português brasileiro no "Test of Narrative Language (TNL)".

PURPOSE: Investigate the performance of native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese in the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) and correlate their performance in its oral narration and narrative comprehension subtests. METHODS: Participants were 140 individuals with typical language development aged 5-0 to 11-11 (years-months) divided according to age group. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed between the 5-year-old group and all the other age groups and between the 6-year-old group and the 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-year-old groups. The 7-year-old group did not differ from the 6- and 8-year-old groups. Half of the 7-year-old group was in 1st grade of Elementary School and the other half was in 2nd grade, which may have contributed to the non-differentiation between this group and its border-age groups. No statistically significant difference was found between groups as of the age of eight years. Positive correlation was observed between performance in the narrative comprehension and oral narration subtests of the TNL in the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old groups, which did not occur for the other age groups. CONCLUSION: The Test of Narrative Language differentiated the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old groups, but did not differentiate groups as of the age of eight years. No correlation was found between performance in the oral narration and narrative comprehension subtests of the TNL as of the age of eight years, which suggests mastery of both skills from this age.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o desempenho de falantes do português brasileiro no Test of Narrative Language e correlacionar o desempenho nas tarefas de produção e compreensão da narrativa. MÉTODO: Participaram 140 indivíduos, entre 5 e 11 anos e 11 meses de idade com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, divididos de acordo com a faixa etária. RESULTADOS: Diferença significativa foi encontrada entre o grupo de 5 anos e todos os demais grupos etários, bem como para o grupo de 6 anos quando comparado ao grupo de 8, 9, 10 e 11 anos. O grupo de 7 anos não diferiu estatisticamente dos grupos de 6 e 8 anos. Metade do grupo de 7 anos cursava o primeiro ano e a outra metade, o segundo ano, o que pode ter contribuído para a não diferenciação do grupo com as faixas etárias fronteiriças. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos a partir dos 8 anos. Observou-se correlação positiva entre o desempenho de compreensão e produção nos grupos etários de 5, 6 e 7 anos, o que não ocorreu para os demais grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O teste diferenciou as faixas etárias de 5, 6 e 7 anos, o que não ocorreu nas faixas etárias a partir dos 8 anos. Também, a partir dos 8 anos, não foi encontrada correlação entre a produção e a compreensão narrativa, sinalizando o domínio de ambas as habilidades a partir desta faixa etária.

Desempenho de falantes do português brasileiro no "Test of Narrative Language (TNL)" / Performance of Brazilian Portuguese speakers in the Test of Narrative Language (TNL)

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o desempenho de falantes do português brasileiro no Test of Narrative Language e correlacionar o desempenho nas tarefas de produção e compreensão da narrativa. Método Participaram 140 indivíduos, entre 5 e 11 anos e 11 meses de idade com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, divididos de acordo com a faixa etária. Resultados Diferença significativa foi encontrada entre o grupo de 5 anos e todos os demais grupos etários, bem como para o grupo de 6 anos quando comparado ao grupo de 8, 9, 10 e 11 anos. O grupo de 7 anos não diferiu estatisticamente dos grupos de 6 e 8 anos. Metade do grupo de 7 anos cursava o primeiro ano e a outra metade, o segundo ano, o que pode ter contribuído para a não diferenciação do grupo com as faixas etárias fronteiriças. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos a partir dos 8 anos. Observou-se correlação positiva entre o desempenho de compreensão e produção nos grupos etários de 5, 6 e 7 anos, o que não ocorreu para os demais grupos. Conclusão O teste diferenciou as faixas etárias de 5, 6 e 7 anos, o que não ocorreu nas faixas etárias a partir dos 8 anos. Também, a partir dos 8 anos, não foi encontrada correlação entre a produção e a compreensão narrativa, sinalizando o domínio de ambas as habilidades a partir desta faixa etária.

ABSTRACT Purpose Investigate the performance of native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese in the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) and correlate their performance in its oral narration and narrative comprehension subtests. Methods Participants were 140 individuals with typical language development aged 5-0 to 11-11 (years-months) divided according to age group. Results Statistically significant difference was observed between the 5-year-old group and all the other age groups and between the 6-year-old group and the 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-year-old groups. The 7-year-old group did not differ from the 6- and 8-year-old groups. Half of the 7-year-old group was in 1st grade of Elementary School and the other half was in 2nd grade, which may have contributed to the non-differentiation between this group and its border-age groups. No statistically significant difference was found between groups as of the age of eight years. Positive correlation was observed between performance in the narrative comprehension and oral narration subtests of the TNL in the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old groups, which did not occur for the other age groups. Conclusion The Test of Narrative Language differentiated the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old groups, but did not differentiate groups as of the age of eight years. No correlation was found between performance in the oral narration and narrative comprehension subtests of the TNL as of the age of eight years, which suggests mastery of both skills from this age.

Oral narrative of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. / Narrativa oral de indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal.

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the oral narrative of individuals with FASD and individuals with typical language development (TLD), as well as to correlate the narrative performance with the score from 4-Digit Diagnostic Code. METHODS: Participants were 20 individuals with FASD, of both genders, with chronological age between 6 and 16 years, and 20 individuals with TLD, same gender and similar to the FASD group in age and socioeconomic status. The oral narrative was elicited using the book Frog, where are you? and the data were analyzed in terms of macrostructure, microstructure and global coherence level. Measures regarding the macrostructure included the presence of typical structural elements of storytelling, while the microstructural aspects included words (total and different words), communication units (C-Units), lexical diversity, and mean length of C-Units. RESULTS: Low performance was found in the FASD group for all macrostructural aspects, with the exception of linguistic markers. Among the microstructural aspects, lexical diversity and incomplete C-Units were different between the FASD and TLD groups. The FASD group presented lower global coherence level compared to the TLD group. Negative correlations were found between macrostructural aspects, facial characteristics, and Central Nervous System impairment. CONCLUSION: Restricted use of typical structural elements of storytelling with lower levels of coherence and reduced vocabulary distinguished the FASD from the TDL group. Future studies may explore whether the association between narrative performance and the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code items present predictive values in the narrative performance of individuals with FASD.

Narrativa oral de indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal / Oral narrative of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar e comparar a narrativa oral de indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal (TEAF) e de indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem (DTL) e correlacionar o desempenho na narrativa oral com a pontuação do "4-Digit Diagnostic Code". Método Participaram 20 indivíduos com TEAF, de ambos os gêneros, com idade cronológica entre seis e 16 anos e 20 indivíduos com DTL, semelhantes quanto ao gênero, idade e nível socioeconômico aos do grupo TEAF. A narrativa oral foi eliciada por meio do livro "Frog, where are you?" e analisada quanto aos aspectos macroestruturais, microestruturais e nível de coerência global. Os aspectos macroestruturais incluíram elementos típicos de história e os microestruturais incluíram palavras (total, palavras diferentes), unidades comunicativas (C-Units), diversidade lexical e extensão média dos C-Units. Resultados Desempenho inferior foi encontrado para o grupo TEAF em todos os aspectos macroestruturais, exceto para os marcadores linguísticos. Dentre os aspectos microestruturais, a diversidade lexical e a ocorrência de "C-Units" incompletos foram aspectos que diferenciaram os grupos TEAF e DTL. O grupo TEAF apresentou nível de coerência global inferior ao grupo DTL. Correlações negativas foram encontradas entre os aspectos macroestruturais e os itens características faciais e alterações no Sistema Nervoso Central. Conclusão O uso restrito de elementos estruturais típicos de história com níveis inferiores de coerência e vocabulário reduzido diferenciaram o TEAF do DTL. Estudos futuros poderão explorar se a associação entre o desempenho narrativo e os itens do "4-Digit Diagnostic Code" apresentam valor preditivo no desempenho narrativo dos indivíduos com TEAF.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate and compare the oral narrative of individuals with FASD and individuals with typical language development (TLD), as well as to correlate the narrative performance with the score from 4-Digit Diagnostic Code. Methods Participants were 20 individuals with FASD, of both genders, with chronological age between 6 and 16 years, and 20 individuals with TLD, same gender and similar to the FASD group in age and socioeconomic status. The oral narrative was elicited using the book Frog, where are you? and the data were analyzed in terms of macrostructure, microstructure and global coherence level. Measures regarding the macrostructure included the presence of typical structural elements of storytelling, while the microstructural aspects included words (total and different words), communication units (C-Units), lexical diversity, and mean length of C-Units. Results Low performance was found in the FASD group for all macrostructural aspects, with the exception of linguistic markers. Among the microstructural aspects, lexical diversity and incomplete C-Units were different between the FASD and TLD groups. The FASD group presented lower global coherence level compared to the TLD group. Negative correlations were found between macrostructural aspects, facial characteristics, and Central Nervous System impairment. Conclusion Restricted use of typical structural elements of storytelling with lower levels of coherence and reduced vocabulary distinguished the FASD from the TDL group. Future studies may explore whether the association between narrative performance and the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code items present predictive values in the narrative performance of individuals with FASD.

Adaptação cultural do Test of Narrative Language (TNL) para o Português Brasileiro / Cultural adaptation of the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian Portuguese

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar a tradução e a adaptação cultural do Test of Narrative Language (TNL) para o Português Brasileiro. Métodos O TNL é um instrumento formal que avalia a compreensão e a narração oral de crianças entre cinco e 11 anos e 11 meses. O processo de tradução e adaptação do TNL teve as seguintes etapas: (1) tradução para a língua-alvo; (2) síntese das versões traduzidas; (3) retrotradução; (4) verificação do processo de equivalência conceitual, semântica e cultural; e (5) estudo-piloto (56 crianças, mesma faixa etária do teste e de ambos os gêneros). Resultados A versão adaptada manteve a mesma estrutura da versão original: número de tarefas (três de compreensão narrativa e três de narração oral), formatos de narrativa (sem apoio de figura, figuras em sequência e figura única) e sistema de pontuação. Não foram realizadas adaptações nas figuras do teste. A história “McDonald’s Story” foi substituída pela história “História da Lanchonete”, para atender à equivalência semântica e experiencial da população-alvo. Nas demais histórias, foram realizadas adaptações semânticas e gramaticais. Diferenças estatisticamente significantes foram encontradas nas comparações entre os escores brutos (compreensão, narração e total) dos grupos etários, a partir da versão adaptada. Conclusão Adaptações foram necessárias para atender à equivalência semântica e experiencial da população-alvo, considerando o contexto sociolinguístico-cultural do Brasil. A versão adaptada apresentou equivalência conceitual de itens, semântica e operacional em relação à versão original. A equivalência de mensuração para fins de validação e normatização do TNL está em andamento e poderá complementar os resultados deste estudo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To accomplish the translation and cultural adaptation of the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods The TNL is a formal instrument which assesses narrative comprehension and oral narration of children between the ages of 5-0 and 11-11 (years-months). The TNL translation and adaptation process had the following steps: (1) translation into the target language; (2) summary of the translated versions; (3) back-translation; (4) checking of the conceptual, semantics and cultural equivalence process and (5) pilot study (56 children within the test age range and from both genders). Results The adapted version maintained the same structure as the original version: number of tasks (both, three comprehension and oral narration), narrative formats (no picture, sequenced pictures and single picture) and scoring system. There were no adjustments to the pictures. The “McDonald's Story” was replaced by the “Snack Bar History” to meet the semantic and experiential equivalence of the target population. The other stories had semantic and grammatical adjustments. Statistically significant difference was found when comparing the raw score (comprehension, narration and total) of age groups from the adapted version. Conclusion Adjustments were required to meet the equivalence between the original and the translated versions. The adapted version showed it has the potential to identify differences in oral narratives of children in the age range provided by the test. Measurement equivalence for validation and test standardization are in progress and will be able to supplement the study outcomes.

Preschoolers' Performance on the Brazilian Adaptation of the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument - Second Edition.

PURPOSE: The objective was to test whether the Brazilian version of the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument - Second Edition (PLAI-2) has the potential to assess and identify differences in typical language development of Portuguese-speaking preschoolers. METHODS: The study included 354 children of both genders with typical language development who were between the ages of 3 years and 5 years 11 months. The version of the PLAI-2 previously translated into Brazilian Portuguese was used to assess the communication skills of these preschool-age children. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the age groups, and the raw score tended to increase as a function of age. With nonstandardized assessments, the performances of the younger groups revealed behavioral profiles (e.g., nonresponsive, impulsive behavior) that directly influenced the evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that the PLAI-2 is effective in identifying differences in language development among Brazilian children of preschool age. Future research should include studies validating and standardizing these findings.

Cultural adaptation of the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian Portuguese. / Adaptação cultural do Test of Narrative Language (TNL) para o Português Brasileiro.

PURPOSE: To accomplish the translation and cultural adaptation of the Test of Narrative Language (TNL) into Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: The TNL is a formal instrument which assesses narrative comprehension and oral narration of children between the ages of 5-0 and 11-11 (years-months). The TNL translation and adaptation process had the following steps: (1) translation into the target language; (2) summary of the translated versions; (3) back-translation; (4) checking of the conceptual, semantics and cultural equivalence process and (5) pilot study (56 children within the test age range and from both genders). RESULTS: The adapted version maintained the same structure as the original version: number of tasks (both, three comprehension and oral narration), narrative formats (no picture, sequenced pictures and single picture) and scoring system. There were no adjustments to the pictures. The "McDonald's Story" was replaced by the "Snack Bar History" to meet the semantic and experiential equivalence of the target population. The other stories had semantic and grammatical adjustments. Statistically significant difference was found when comparing the raw score (comprehension, narration and total) of age groups from the adapted version. CONCLUSION: Adjustments were required to meet the equivalence between the original and the translated versions. The adapted version showed it has the potential to identify differences in oral narratives of children in the age range provided by the test. Measurement equivalence for validation and test standardization are in progress and will be able to supplement the study outcomes.

Fluency aspects of oral narrative task in del22q11.2 syndrome. / Aspectos da fluência em tarefa de narrativa oral na síndrome del22q11.2.

PURPOSE: To investigate the fluency aspects of the oral narrative task in individuals with del22q11.2 syndrome and compare them with those of individuals with typical language development. METHODS: Fifteen individuals diagnosed with del22q11.2 syndrome, both genders, aged 7-17 years participated in this study. They were compared with 15 individuals with typical language development, with similar gender and chronological age profiles. The oral narrative was elicited using the book "Frog, Where Are You?", and the fluency aspects were analyzed according to speech rate and type and frequency of disfluency (typical and stuttering). The number and duration of pauses were also investigated. The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The group with del22q11.2 syndrome showed a higher average when compared with the group without the syndrome for the percentage of typical disfluencies, mainly hesitation and revision. The group presenting the syndrome also showed a higher average for stuttering disfluencies, with pause as the most frequent disfluency. With respect to speech rate, the group with the syndrome presented a lower average for the number of words and syllables per minute. Individuals with del22q11.2 syndrome showed greater difficulties of narration than their peers. CONCLUSION: The fluency aspects of the oral narrative task in subjects with del22q11.2 syndrome were similar to those of individuals with typical language development regarding the presence of hesitation, revision, and pause, but they were different with respect to frequency of disfluency, which was higher in individuals with the syndrome.

Aspectos da fluência em tarefa de narrativa oral na síndrome del22q11. 2 / Fluency aspects of oral narrative task in del22q11. 2 syndrome

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os aspectos da fluência em tarefa de narrativa oral na síndrome del22q11.2 e comparar com indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem. Método Participaram deste estudo 15 indivíduos com diagnóstico da síndrome del22q11.2, de ambos os gêneros, com idade cronológica de sete a 17 anos, que foram comparados a 15 indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, semelhantes quanto ao gênero e à idade cronológica. A narrativa oral foi eliciada com o livro Frog Where Are You?, e os aspectos da fluência foram analisados quanto ao tipo e frequência de disfluência (comum e gaga) e velocidade de fala. Foram analisados também o número e a duração das pausas. Os achados foram analisados estatisticamente. Resultados O grupo com a síndrome del22q11.2 apresentou média superior em relação ao grupo sem a síndrome, para a porcentagem de disfluências comuns, principalmente hesitação e revisão. O grupo com a síndrome também apresentou média superior para disfluências gagas, sendo a pausa a disfluência mais frequente. Quanto à velocidade de fala, o grupo com a síndrome apresentou média inferior para o número de palavras e sílabas por minuto. Assim sendo, conclui-se que os indivíduos com a síndrome del22q11.2 apresentaram mais dificuldades para narrar do que os seus pares. Conclusão Os aspectos da fluência investigados foram semelhantes entre os grupo com a síndrome del22q11.2 e com desenvolvimento típico de linguagem quanto à presença de hesitação, revisão e pausa na narrativa oral, porém distinto quanto à frequência dessas disfluências, que foi superior para os indivíduos com a síndrome.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the fluency aspects of the oral narrative task in individuals with del22q11.2 syndrome and compare them with those of individuals with typical language development. Methods Fifteen individuals diagnosed with del22q11.2 syndrome, both genders, aged 7-17 years participated in this study. They were compared with 15 individuals with typical language development, with similar gender and chronological age profiles. The oral narrative was elicited using the book “Frog, Where Are You?”, and the fluency aspects were analyzed according to speech rate and type and frequency of disfluency (typical and stuttering). The number and duration of pauses were also investigated. The data were statistically analyzed. Results The group with del22q11.2 syndrome showed a higher average when compared with the group without the syndrome for the percentage of typical disfluencies, mainly hesitation and revision. The group presenting the syndrome also showed a higher average for stuttering disfluencies, with pause as the most frequent disfluency. With respect to speech rate, the group with the syndrome presented a lower average for the number of words and syllables per minute. Individuals with del22q11.2 syndrome showed greater difficulties of narration than their peers. Conclusion The fluency aspects of the oral narrative task in subjects with del22q11.2 syndrome were similar to those of individuals with typical language development regarding the presence of hesitation, revision, and pause, but they were different with respect to frequency of disfluency, which was higher in individuals with the syndrome.

Correlations between behavior, memory, sleep-wake and melatonin in Williams-Beuren syndrome.

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microdeletion on chromosomic region 7q11.23, presents with peculiar behavioral and neurocognitive phenotypes that are marked by apparently preserved social and communicative abilities, which contrasts with low overall cognitive and particularly visuospatial performance. In addition, parents often report complaints of sleep disorders and behavioral problems of unknown cause. Sleep is a biological phenomenon that is modulated by the plasma concentration of melatonin and with influence on behavioral aspects and memory. Thus, this study sought to investigate the behavior, memory and the presence of sleep disorders in WBS and to correlate these factors with each other and with the plasma melatonin content. We used the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 (CBCL), the digit subtest of the Wechsler scale for auditory memory, the visual sequential memory subtest of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Determination of urinary aMT6s, an indirect measure of plasma melatonin content, was held for 72h by ELISA, and the analysis of the circadian rhythm of this content was performed by the Cosinor method. The results of the CBCL showed that 87% of the WBS group presented with a clinical score on the overall competence and total behavioral problems. Furthermore, the behavioral problems that were most frequently reported by parents were anxiety and problems of thought. All individuals with WBS presented with impairments in auditory memory and 47% with impairments in visual sequential memory; 65% of the WBS group presented with an indicative of at least one sleep disorder, where respiratory, initiation and maintenance of sleep (DIMS) and hyperhidrosis were the most frequent disorders. The night time aMT6s levels were lower in individuals with WBS when compared with controls; 53% of the WBS group did not present with circadian rhythm variations in aMT6s levels. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the scores of auditory memory and the total score of sleep disorders and between the DIMS and nocturnal aMT6s content. In conclusion, in the present study, individuals with WBS showed a high frequency of behavioral and memory problems, sleep disturbances and no rhythm variation in aMT6s levels. The low melatonin content may be related with sleep disorders in this population, which, in turn, can have an adverse effect on specific cognitive skills such as memory.

Instrumentos sistemáticos e formais de avaliação da linguagem de pré-escolares no brasil: uma revisão de literatura / Systematic and formal instruments for language assessment of preschoolers in brazil: a literature review

Instrumentos sistemáticos e formais de avaliação da linguagem em crianças com idade entre dois e cinco anos são de suma importância, tanto para a investigação de possíveis alterações quanto para propor intervenção fonoaudiológica. No entanto, atualmente, são poucos os instrumentos disponíveis no Português brasileiro para investigações e uso clínico. O objetivo do presente estudo, portanto, foi apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre instrumentos sistemáticos e formais de avaliação da linguagem falada em pré-escolares, utilizados em investigações científicas no Brasil, construídos em âmbito nacional ou em processo de adaptação e validação. Foram descritos sete diferentes instrumentos em 22 artigos científicos, número este baixo em comparação a outros países e, sobretudo, em comparação a publicações não científicas, que não necessariamente validam a eficiência do instrumento. Sugere-se maior investimento, tanto na construção de instrumentos quanto na adaptação e validação de instrumentos já utilizados em outras línguas.

Systematic and formal instruments of language in children aged between two and five years are of predominant importance both for the investigation of possible alterations and to propose language intervention. However, currently there are few instruments available in Brazilian Portuguese for research and clinical use. The aim of this study therefore was to present a review on systematic and formal assessment instruments spoken language in preschool, used in scientific research in Brazil, built nationally or in the adaptation and validation process. Seven different instruments have been described in 22 scientific papers, which is a low number compared to other countries, and especially in comparison to non-scientific publications, not necessarily validate the efficiency of the instrument. It is suggested increased investment both in the construction of instruments as in the adaptation and validation of instruments already used in other languages.

Linguagem no transtorno do espectro alcoólico fetal: uma revisão / Language in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a review

O Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal é uma condição clínica que vem despertando o interesse de diferentes pesquisadores por ser considerada relativamente frequente na população, com incidência de aproximadamente 10 casos a cada 1000 nascimentos. As alterações neurodesenvolvimentais que caracterizam o fenótipo desta condição são descritas pela presença de prejuízos de memória, de atenção, da habilidade visuo-espacial, das funções executivas, de aprendizagem, bem como do comprometimento na linguagem falada. Considerando os prejuízos da linguagem que permeiam o Espectro Alcoólico Fetal, este trabalho propõe-se a realizar uma revisão da literatura para identificar quais os procedimentos e achados reportados na área da linguagem para essa condição clínica. Os 21 artigos selecionados nesta revisão refletem uma variabilidade na metodologia empregada e distintos procedimentos de avaliação da linguagem falada. O perfil da linguagem falada dos indivíduos com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal caracteriza-se por diferentes desempenhos na linguagem falada e com grau de comprometimento variável. Diversos fatores influenciam na variabilidade de comprometimento da linguagem falada descrito no Transtorno do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal, sendo que a quantidade de álcool ingerida, o período de gestação em que ocorreu o consumo e a susceptibilidade individual do feto ao metabolizar o álcool no organismo são frequentemente descritos.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a clinical condition that has aroused the interest of researchers as it is considered relatively common in the population, with an incidence of approximately 10 cases per 1,000 births. The neurodevelopmental changes that characterize the phenotype of this condition are described by deficits in memory, attention, visual-spatial and executive function, learning disabilities and the presence of spoken language impairment. Considering the language deficit as part of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, we proposed to review the literature to identify which procedures are used in the assessment of language and findings reported in language in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The 21 articles selected in this review reflect variability in methodology and commonly used procedures assessment of spoken language. The spoken language profile of individuals diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is characterized by different performance and with varying degrees of impairment. Several factors influence the variability of spoken language impairment described in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and the amount of alcohol consumed, the gestation period when consumption took place and individual susceptibility of each fetus to metabolize alcohol in the body are often described.

Cross-cultural adaptation of Preschool Language Assessment Instrument: Second Edition / Adaptação transcultural do Preschool Language Assessment Instrument: Segunda Edição

PURPOSE: In Brazil, formal tools for the evaluation of spoken language are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and adapt to Brazilian Portuguese the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument: Second Edition (PLAI-2). METHODS: The process of translation and adaptation of this instrument was conducted in two stages - Stage 1: (1a) translation of the original version to Brazilian Portuguese, (1b) comparison of the translated versions and synthesis into a single Portuguese version, (1c) back-translation, (1d) revision of the translated version; and Step 2: (2a) application of the Portuguese version in a pilot project with 30 subjects, and (2b) statistical comparison of three age groups. RESULTS: In the Brazilian version, all items of the original version were kept. However, it was necessary to modify the application order of one item, and the change of one picture was suggested in another. The results obtained after application indicated that the Brazilian version of the PLAI-2 allows us to distinguish the performance of participants belonging to different age groups, and that the raw score tends to increase with age. CONCLUSION: Semantic and syntactic adjustments were required and made to ensure that PLAI-2 would be used with the same methodological rigor of the original instrument. The adaptation process observed the theoretical, semantic, and cultural equivalences. .

OBJETIVO: No Brasil, instrumentos formais para avaliação da linguagem falada são escassos. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a tradução e a adaptação para o Português Brasileiro do instrumento Preschool Language Assessment Instrument (PLAI-2). MÉTODOS: O processo de tradução e adaptação desse instrumento foi realizado em duas etapas - Etapa 1: (1a) tradução da versão original para o Português Brasileiro, (1b) comparação das versões traduzidas e síntese para uma única versão em Português, (1c) retrotradução, (1d) revisão da versão traduzida; e Etapa 2: (2a) aplicação da versão em Português em um projeto piloto de 30 sujeitos e (2b) comparação estatística dos três grupos etários. RESULTADOS: Na versão brasileira, foram mantidos todos os itens da versão original, porém foi necessária a modificação da ordem de aplicação de um item e sugerida mudança de gravura em outro. Os resultados obtidos na aplicação indicaram que a versão brasileira do PLAI-2 permitiu discriminar o desempenho dos participantes de diferentes grupos etários e que o escore bruto tende a ser crescente em função do aumento da idade. CONCLUSÃO: Foram necessários e realizados ajustes de ordem semântica e sintática, para que o PLAI-2 fosse utilizado com o mesmo rigor metodológico do instrumento original. O processo de adaptação atendeu às equivalências teórica, semântica e cultural. .

Preschool language assessment instrument, second edition, in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children.

PURPOSE: To present a brief report on the initial results of the application of Preschool Language Assessment Instrument, second edition, in Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children. METHODS: The study included 300 children with typical language development, from both genders, aged from 3 to 5 years and 11 months, as proposed by the original test version. After translation, back-translation, and adaptation of the second edition of the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument, the instrument was administered to investigate the receptive and expressive language skills. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the average gross scores of the three groups for both "receptive" and "expressive" language skills, and a growing tendency of scores according to age. CONCLUSION: After analysis, we found that versions translated and adapted for Brazilian Portuguese speakers allow one to evaluate and discriminate the performance of children in receptive and expressive language skills, according to age group, as well as the original version.

Anatomical Changes and Audiological Profile in Branchio-oto-renal Syndrome: A Literature Review

Introduction: Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal-dominant genetic condition with high penetrance and variable expressivity, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 40,000. Approximately 40% of the patients with the syndrome have mutations in the gene EYA1, located at chromosomal region 8q13.3, and 5% have mutations in the gene SIX5 in chromosome region 19q13. The phenotype of this syndrome is characterized by preauricular fistulas; structural malformations of the external, middle, and inner ears; branchial fistulas; renal disorders; cleft palate; and variable type and degree of hearing loss. Aim: Hearing loss is part of BOR syndrome phenotype. The aim of this study was to present a literature review on the anatomical aspects and audiological profile of BOR syndrome. Data Synthesis Thirty-four studies were selected for analysis. Some aspects when specifying the phenotype of BOR syndrome are controversial, especially those issues related to the audiological profile in which there was variability on auditory standard, hearing loss progression, and type and degree of the hearing loss. Mixed loss was the most common type of hearing loss among the studies; however, there was no consensus among studies regarding the degree of the hearing loss...

Cross-cultural adaptation of Preschool Language Assessment Instrument: Second Edition.

PURPOSE: In Brazil, formal tools for the evaluation of spoken language are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and adapt to Brazilian Portuguese the Preschool Language Assessment Instrument: Second Edition (PLAI-2). METHODS: The process of translation and adaptation of this instrument was conducted in two stages - Stage 1: (1a) translation of the original version to Brazilian Portuguese, (1b) comparison of the translated versions and synthesis into a single Portuguese version, (1c) back-translation, (1d) revision of the translated version; and Step 2: (2a) application of the Portuguese version in a pilot project with 30 subjects, and (2b) statistical comparison of three age groups. RESULTS: In the Brazilian version, all items of the original version were kept. However, it was necessary to modify the application order of one item, and the change of one picture was suggested in another. The results obtained after application indicated that the Brazilian version of the PLAI-2 allows us to distinguish the performance of participants belonging to different age groups, and that the raw score tends to increase with age. CONCLUSION: Semantic and syntactic adjustments were required and made to ensure that PLAI-2 would be used with the same methodological rigor of the original instrument. The adaptation process observed the theoretical, semantic, and cultural equivalences.