As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest research to improve outcomes for children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) or Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). The recent longitudinal study, "Development of Clause Complexity in Children with Specific Language Impairment/Language Development Disorder: A Longitudinal Study," offers valuable insights into the development of clause complexity in children with SLI/DLD.
The study analyzed oral narrative samples from two groups of monolingual Spanish-speaking schoolchildren: 24 with SLI/DLD and 24 with typical development (TD). The results showed that while both groups used parataxis (simple coordination) most frequently, there was a significant increase in hypotaxis (subordination) from first to fourth grade. However, children with SLI/DLD faced greater challenges in mastering these complex structures compared to their TD peers.
Here are some key takeaways for practitioners:
- Focus on Complex Structures: The study suggests that targeted support for complex grammatical structures is essential, especially towards the fourth grade when academic demands increase.
- Early Intervention: Children with SLI/DLD show similar developmental patterns to their TD peers but lag in performance. Early and continuous intervention can help bridge this gap.
- Utilize Narrative Tasks: Narratives encourage the use of complex syntax. Incorporate story retelling tasks in therapy to promote the use of more sophisticated linguistic structures.
- Monitor Progress: Regular assessment of clause complexity can help track a child's progress and adjust intervention strategies accordingly.
Practitioners should consider integrating these findings into their therapeutic approaches to enhance the language development of children with SLI/DLD. Additionally, further research is encouraged to explore the nuances of clause complexity development in different linguistic and cultural contexts.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Development of Clause Complexity in Children with Specific Language Impairment/Language Development Disorder: A Longitudinal Study.
