Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental Language Disorder: Verb Learning
Developmental Language DisorderSpecific Language Impairment1 moreChildren with developmental language disorder (DLD; also referred to as specific language impairment) experience a significant deficit in language ability that is longstanding and harmful to the children's academic, social, and eventual economic wellbeing. Word learning is one of the principal weaknesses in these children. This project focuses on the word learning abilities of four- and five-year-old children with DLD. The goal of the project is to build on the investigators' previous work to determine whether, as has been found thus far, special benefits accrue when these children must frequently recall newly introduced words during the course of learning. The focus of the current study is verb-learning. The goal of the study is to increase children's absolute levels of learning while maintaining the advantage that repeated retrieval holds over comparison methods of learning.
Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental Language Disorder During Book Reading
Developmental Language DisorderSpecific Language Impairment1 moreChildren with developmental language disorder (DLD; also referred to as specific language impairment) experience a significant deficit in language ability that is longstanding and harmful to the children's academic, social, and eventual economic well-being. Word learning is one of the principal weaknesses in these children. This project focuses on the word learning abilities of four- and five-year-old children with DLD. The goal of the project is to build on the investigators' previous work to determine whether, as has been found thus far, special benefits accrue when these children must frequently recall newly introduced words during the course of learning. In this study, the investigators seek to replicate the advantage that repeated retrieval holds over simple exposure to the words and to demonstrate an increase in children's absolute levels of learning by implementing retrieval practice in the context of a story book.
A Framework For Linking Sequential Pattern Rules in DLD: Perception in Toddlers
Developmental Language DisorderSpeech Sound Disorder1 moreThis broad aim of this clinical study is to assess the hypothesis that morphological and phonological deficits are linked by a broader deficit in sequential pattern learning. This hypothesis applies to learning in general, but is especially critical as an avenue for developing earlier assessments and more powerful interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD; AKA specific language impairment). Other populations, such as at-risk toddlers, may also benefit from this new approach.
A Developmental Framework For Linking Phonological And Morpho-syntactic Sequential Pattern Rules...
Developmental Language DisorderSpeech Sound Disorder1 moreThe broad aim of this clinical study is to assess the hypothesis that morphological and phonological deficits are linked by a broader deficit in sequential pattern learning. This hypothesis applies to learning in general, but is especially critical as an avenue for developing earlier assessments and more powerful interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD; also known as specific language impairment). Other populations, such as at-risk toddlers, may also benefit from this new approach.
A Framework For Linking Sequential Pattern Rules in DLD: Perception in Adults
Developmental Language DisorderSpeech Sound Disorder1 moreThis broad aim of this clinical study is to assess the hypothesis that morphological and phonological deficits are linked by a broader deficit in sequential pattern learning. This hypothesis applies to learning in general, but is especially critical as an avenue for developing earlier assessments and more powerful interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD; AKA specific language impairment). Other populations, such as at-risk toddlers, may also benefit from this new approach.
Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Language DisorderSpecific Language Impairment1 moreChildren with developmental language disorder (DLD; also referred to as specific language impairment) experience a significant deficit in language ability that is longstanding and harmful to the children's academic, social, and eventual economic wellbeing. Word learning is one of the principal weaknesses in these children. This project focuses on the word learning abilities of four- and five-year-old children with DLD. The goal of the project is to build on our previous work to determine whether, as we have found thus far, special benefits accrue when these children must frequently recall newly introduced words during the course of learning. In this first of a series of studies, we seek to increase the children's absolute levels of learning while maintaining the advantage that repeated retrieval holds over comparison methods of learning.
Searching of Apraxia of Speech in Children With Specific Language Impairment
Apraxia of SpeechSearching of Apraxia of Speech in Children with Specific Language Impairment
Improving STEM Outcomes for Young Children With Language Learning Disabilities
Specific Language ImpairmentThe sophisticated language of science can be a barrier to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning, especially for children who have specific language impairment (SLI). The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to test vocabulary and grammar interventions embedded in a small-group inquiry-based science instruction for their potential to ameliorate language deficits that impede science learning. Participants will be 54 preschoolers or kindergartners with SLI. Proximal and distal probes will reveal their mastery of taught and generalized language and science concepts.
Accelerating Word Learning in Children With Language Impairment
Specific Language ImpairmentThis research attempts to adapt and optimize a word learning treatment, specifically interactive book reading, for use with Kindergarten children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Children with SLI have difficulty learning language without any obvious cause for this difficulty. This study will examine the best way to achieve the appropriate intensity of 36 exposures. For example, is it better to hear the new words many times within the book (high dose) and to read the book few times (low dose frequency), or is it better to hear the new words a few times within the book (low dose) and to read the book many times (high dose frequency). The investigators hypothesize that reading the books many times will be more effective than repeating the words many times within a book.
Evaluating Treatment Efficacy of Two Syntactic Treatment Procedures for Children With Specific Language...
Language Impairment in School-yearsSpecific-language-impairment (SLI) is defined as a significant disorder in language development, which affects one's daily functioning, but not attributable to sensory, intellectual or neuropsychological deficit. Children with SLI make up one of the largest subgroups of students with special educational needs (SEN) in Hong Kong. Without appropriate intervention, SLI may persist into adolescence and lead to long-term literacy difficulties and social rejection, which were found to be associated with societal problems like unemployment and crime commitment. Among the language domains, syntax/grammar has been viewed as a core deficit in these children. Speech-Language-Pathologists (SLPs) often provide intervention on this aspect for them. However, very few intervention efficacy studies could be identified. Without pertinent research evidence, clinical-decision-making in treatment approach selection may be dubious. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two procedures for syntax intervention, namely the Sentence-Combining (SC) and Narrative-Based (NAR) procedures using a randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) design. These two procedures have been indicated to be effective in previous case reports and expert opinions. By using the rigorous study design of RCT, this study provides stronger evidence to support clinicians in determining the most effective treatment procedure. To achieve sufficient statistical power to detect the treatment difference, 52 children with SLI will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups. The primary outcome will be measured by a standardized language assessment. Intention-to-treat analysis will be employed. Pre- and post-treatment scores on the outcomes will be subject to analyses of covariance with the pre-treatment scores as the covariate.