As a practitioner dedicated to enhancing the communication skills of children, understanding the intricacies of developmental language disorder (DLD) is crucial. A recent study titled "Syntactic Comprehension of Kindergarten French-Speaking Children with Developmental Language Disorder: Simple and Complex Sentences" provides valuable insights into how children with DLD comprehend different types of sentences. This blog will summarize the key findings and offer practical applications to improve your clinical practice.
Understanding the Study
The study explored the syntactic comprehension abilities of kindergarten French-speaking children with DLD, focusing on both simple and complex sentences. The researchers found that children with DLD have significant difficulties understanding complex sentences compared to their typically developing peers. Specifically, the study highlighted challenges with:
- Relative clauses
- Passive sentences
- Sentences with object pronouns
- Wh-questions
Key Findings
Here are some of the critical findings from the study:
- Children with DLD showed significantly lower performance in understanding complex sentences compared to typically developing children.
- Even simple sentences posed challenges, although to a lesser extent.
- The complexity and length of sentences significantly impacted comprehension abilities.
Practical Applications
Based on these findings, here are some strategies you can implement to support children with DLD:
1. Simplify Sentence Structures
Start with simple sentences and gradually introduce more complex structures. Use visual aids and repetition to reinforce understanding.
2. Focus on Specific Sentence Types
Given the identified challenges, prioritize teaching relative clauses, passive sentences, and sentences with object pronouns. Use targeted exercises to practice these structures.
3. Use Contextual Clues
Incorporate contextual clues and visual supports to aid comprehension. This can include pictures, gestures, and real-life scenarios that illustrate the meaning of sentences.
4. Monitor Progress
Regularly assess the child's comprehension abilities to tailor interventions effectively. Use both formal assessments and informal observations to track progress.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is essential to develop comprehensive intervention strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in studies to contribute to the field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Syntactic Comprehension of Kindergarten French-Speaking Children with Developmental Language Disorder: Simple and Complex Sentences.
