Longitudinal perspective on nonverbal intelligence development in young children with developmental language disorder
Florence Renaud1, Karine Jauvin1, Marie-Julie Béliveau1
1Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CIUSSS - du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Rivières-des-Prairies hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|March 18, 2025
Summary
Nonverbal intelligence development varies significantly in children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Younger children with DLD may not fully show their potential on assessments, necessitating cautious interpretation and personalized interventions.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Nonverbal intelligence is linked to language impairments and adaptational outcomes.
- The development of nonverbal intelligence alongside language difficulties in children is not well understood.
- Understanding nonverbal development in children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the progression of nonverbal intelligence in young children diagnosed with DLD.
- To explore developmental trajectories of nonverbal intelligence in children with DLD.
- To identify clinical factors associated with different nonverbal intelligence developmental profiles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from a child psychiatric clinic.
- Sample of 71 children diagnosed with DLD, assessed twice using Wechsler scales.
- Assessments conducted at mean ages of 4:11 and 8:2 years.
Main Results:
- Three nonverbal intelligence evolution profiles identified: decrease (31%), stability (39.4%), and increase (29.6%).
- Initial verbal and nonverbal skills, multilingualism, and age differentiated these groups.
- Younger children with lower initial verbal and nonverbal skills showed increasing nonverbal intelligence.
Conclusions:
- Nonverbal development in children with DLD is highly variable.
- Standardized assessments may underestimate the nonverbal potential of very young children with DLD.
- Longitudinal monitoring and cautious interpretation of assessments are advised for personalized interventions.
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