Family history in developmental expressive language delay.
G J Whitehurst1, D S Arnold, M Smith
1Department of Psychology, SUNY, Stony Brook 11794.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|October 1, 1991
Summary
This study found no strong familial link for developmental expressive language delay (ELD) in children. Findings highlight the need to distinguish between different types of early language problems.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous research indicated familial aggregation of language deficits.
- Subgroup differentiation among language-impaired children has been insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial component of developmental expressive language delay (ELD).
- To determine if family history predicts later language development in children with ELD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaire data to assess family history of speech, language, and school issues.
- Compared a group of children with ELD to a control group of typically developing children.
Main Results:
- No significant familial aggregation of ELD was identified.
- Family history did not predict subsequent language development in children with ELD.
Conclusions:
- Results challenge the notion of strong genetic or familial causes for ELD.
- Emphasizes the critical need for differentiating subtypes within early language impairments.
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