Approach To Families Of Children With Developmental Language Disorder From A Neurodevelopmental Perspective

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Language disorder (LD) affects child development.
• Parental neurodevelopmental symptoms are increasingly recognized.
• Understanding familial links is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate neurodevelopmental disorder symptoms in parents of children with LD.
• Compare these symptoms to parents of typically developing children.
• Examine the link between parental symptoms and child language abilities.

Main Methods:

• 76 children with LD and 71 controls, with their parents, were assessed.
• LD diagnosed via DSM-5 criteria; developmental screening using Denver II.
• Parental neurodevelopmental symptoms measured by Wender-Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ).

Main Results:

• Parents of children with LD had lower maternal education levels.
• Parents of children with LD scored significantly higher on TAS, WURS, and AQ.
• High parental scores correlated with speech and language deficits in children.

Conclusions:

• Parental neurodevelopmental symptoms are associated with increased risk for child language and cognitive delays.
• Early identification and family-centered interventions are essential.
• Addressing parental factors can support child psychosocial functioning.