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Vocabulary Breadth and Depth in Adults With Developmental Language Disorder
Tingting Wang1, Charlotte Hilker1, Dawna Duff2
1Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Adults with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) show deficits in both vocabulary breadth and depth, impacting their language skills into adulthood. These findings emphasize assessing both aspects for a comprehensive language profile.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects 7%-11% of children, often persisting into adulthood.
- DLD is associated with long-term challenges in education, employment, and health.
- While vocabulary issues are known in children with DLD, adult manifestations are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vocabulary knowledge in adults with DLD.
- To examine vocabulary breadth (word recognition) and depth (semantic understanding).
- To compare vocabulary skills between adults with DLD and typical language (TL) peers.
Main Methods:
- Vocabulary breadth assessed using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Fifth Edition (PPVT-5).
- Vocabulary depth evaluated using a novel scoring system for the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-Second Edition (WASI-II) Vocabulary subtest.
- Linear regression analyses compared adults with DLD (n=39) and TL peers (n=57).
Main Results:
- Adults with DLD scored significantly lower than TL peers on both vocabulary breadth and depth.
- The PPVT-5 (breadth) showed a larger effect size than the WASI-II depth measure.
- This indicates significant vocabulary impairments in adults with DLD.
Conclusions:
- Characterizes long-term vocabulary development in adults with DLD.
- Highlights the necessity of assessing both vocabulary breadth and depth in adults.
- Informs clinical language profiling for adults with DLD.
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