Articles tagged with Language Disorders
Cognitive neuroscientists are integrating genetics and AI to study language development and disorders. AI-based models can predict language development in children, while genetics research links rhythm disorders and dyslexia. The brain's wiring connecting language regions also reveals that language is a system, not a single 'thing'.
A University of Houston study challenges traditional views on dyslexia, suggesting it stems from an overall brain network vulnerability. The research identified two developmental origins: one related to brain architecture and another to synaptic signaling, which may be uniquely human.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that literacy screenings may not be effective due to inadequate teacher training and suboptimal testing conditions. The survey of over 250 teachers found that many lacked sufficient training, leading to difficulties in administering and interpreting the tests.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a correlation between impaired musical rhythm perception and developmental speech-language disorders, including dyslexia and stuttering. The studies suggest that musical rhythm ability can be used to design targeted therapeutic interventions for affected individuals.
Recent research highlights the challenges of communication for autistic adults, including language and nonverbal barriers. Experts recommend a multifaceted approach to support autistic individuals, focusing on adaptations that accommodate their differences.
Researchers discovered similarities between AI and human brains with aphasia, offering new insights into diagnosis and improving AI's fluency. The study suggests that understanding internal patterns in AI models may lead to smarter and more trustworthy AI.
Researchers identified key tasks in a speech assessment battery to detect primary progressive aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Early detection can lead to slower disease progression and improved communication skills.
A cohort study found maternal hypertension and preeclampsia independently associated with cognitive and language development delays in preterm infants. Recognizing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for targeted risk management strategies.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new treatment approach for primary progressive aphasia (PPA) that combines traditional speech therapy with noninvasive brain stimulation. The technique, called transcranial direct current stimulation, was found to be more effective in managing PPA compared to speech therapy alone.
A Northwestern University study discovered a region of the brain processes subtle changes in voice pitch, transforming them into meaningful linguistic information that guides human understanding. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about speech perception and have implications for speech rehabilitation, AI-powered voice assist...
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.
A $500K grant will support awareness and training for neurodivergent participation in the workplace, with a focus on building inclusive models. The goal is to strengthen employment prospects for those with neurological differences, who face difficulty finding or keeping jobs.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.
A new study published in npj Mental Health Research reveals three distinct language comprehension mechanisms in autistic children, challenging the common linear trajectory of language development. The findings support the idea that intensive language therapy should start earlier and highlight the importance of improving language compre...
Research by Uppsala University and Region Gotland found that new screening tools are effective in identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. The studies show a sharp increase in referrals to speech therapists after introducing Språkfyrn, a four-year-old screening tool.
A study by the University of Exeter warns that children with language disorders are susceptible to making false friends due to a lack of awareness about peers' motives and thoughts. Children consider peers as friends because they play with them, without fully understanding what constitutes a good or bad friend.
A genome-wide meta-analysis study found that early vocabulary size is genetically linked to ADHD, literacy and cognitive abilities in children. The study used data from over 17,000 English-, Danish- or Dutch-speaking children and identified multiple genetic factors underlying vocabulary size in infancy and toddlerhood.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for speech and language delay and disorders in children under 5 due to insufficient evidence. School-aged children with delays are at risk of learning disabilities like reading and writing difficulties.
A recent study published in Cerebral Cortex found that participants exposed to 18-Hz beta binaural beats had significantly higher accuracy and faster response times during comprehension tasks. This suggests that binaural beat stimulation at this frequency may be a potential tool for improving language skills.
A new study found that children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, including language delay, cognitive impairment, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. The study analyzed data from over 8 million children and identified a small but significant increase in risk for most developmental disorders.
A Europe-wide project aims to help young people facing the judicial system understand their trial and respond accordingly. The Y-JustLang project involves researchers, judges, and professionals to address the challenges faced by individuals with severe language difficulties.
Researchers found that phonetic encoding in babies emerged gradually over the first year of life, beginning with labial sounds and nasal sounds. Parents should speak to their babies using sing-song speech as soon as possible to help them learn language.
A groundbreaking study uses a $3.27 million grant to investigate whether the language of instruction impacts syntax learning in bilingual children with DLD. The research aims to determine how language proficiency in English or Spanish affects language learning.
Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...
Research from UTHealth Houston reveals that different brain regions are engaged when processing simple versus complex melodies and sentences. The study used intracranial electrodes to map brain activity during music and language tasks, finding shared temporal lobe activity but distinct sensitivities to melodic and syntactic complexity.
Researchers used AI to analyze speech patterns of patients with Parkinson's disease, finding they spoke in shorter sentences with more verbs and fewer common nouns. The study suggests potential early detection methods for the condition through conversational analysis.
Researchers studied systematic variation in AAE speech production, including final consonant reduction, to prevent misdiagnosis of speech disorders. The study highlights the importance of accepting variation in human language without penalizing users.
Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.
Research by Professor Mila Vulchanova reveals associations between language development and cognitive skills in children. Non-verbal tests show that severity of language difficulties can be predicted based on cognitive markers, supporting the importance of measuring both verbal and non-verbal skills.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that children with larger vocabularies look quickly towards objects when learning new words, while those with smaller vocabularies take more time and look back and forth. The research team hopes to identify children at risk for language delay earlier and provide targeted support.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a significant association between prenatal alcohol exposure and changes in children's facial features. The research used AI to analyze three-dimensional images of children's faces at ages nine and thirteen, revealing that mothers' alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy can h...
A new research project aims to promote dual-language development for children with autism in bilingual families. The study will examine the type of bilingual environment and factors related to their ability to speak or understand both languages.
Researchers found a specific CAPRIN1 gene mutation linked to impaired protein production, leading to autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, language impairments, and muscle weakness. The study also identified similar symptoms in patients with early-onset ataxia and myasthenia.
A new Curtin-led study found that young girls are just as likely to experience language difficulties despite more boys being referred for support services. The study, published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, identified smoking during pregnancy as a significant predictor of DLD.
A new study of patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) shows that those who struggle with complex words compensate by using simpler ones. Healthy volunteers also exhibit a similar balance between word complexity and syntactic structure, suggesting a fundamental property of language production.
Researchers have created a Russian-language protocol for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map individual language areas before neurosurgical operations. The study successfully validated the protocol in a control group, showing its ability to comprehensively map brain regions and reveal lateralisation of language function.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have identified a new gene target, BUD13, related to Specific Language Impairment (SLI). A family-based study found that rare variants of this gene are associated with SLI in affected individuals. The study suggests that BUD13 may be a key factor in language acquisition and holds potential for ea...
A recent study found that children with developmental language disorder exhibit impaired emotional regulation, particularly in early childhood. The researchers also discovered that parental emotional regulation plays a significant role in shaping their children's ability to manage emotions.
Researchers discovered that frequency-following responses to speech sounds are highly conserved across species, including monkeys, guinea pigs and humans. This finding could lead to the development of specific markers for speech impairments and improve clinical diagnostics.
A new study documents that observable social-communication differences for infants with ASD unfold by 9 months, pointing to a critical window for targeted intervention. Infants with ASD exhibit significantly fewer social and early speech skills than their typically-developing peers at 9 months of age.
Researchers aim to understand language development in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and Fragile X syndrome by examining grammar skills and executive functions. The study will gather data on a two-year developmental window, providing comprehensive insights for families and potential improvements in communication.
Researchers from HSE Centre for Language and Brain compared expressive and receptive language abilities in Russian-speaking children with ASD. The study shows that there is no single expressive-receptive language pattern in children with ASD, but the difference depends on linguistic level.
7.58% of children in Spain suffer from SLI, a disorder affecting language acquisition and social development. The new Spanish-speaking Association will lay foundations for research consensus and collaboration.
A study published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders describes the language abilities of Russian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at various linguistic levels. The researchers found significant differences between groups in all subtests, except for the simplest word repetition. Children with ASD had lower accu...
A new test, expressive language sampling (ELS), has been validated as a reliable tool to measure communication development in youth with Down syndrome. The study found that ELS measures were generally valid and reliable across ages and IQ levels, demonstrating strong validity for vocabulary, syntax, and speech intelligibility variables.
A new study from the University of Bath found that children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) face significant challenges in social interactions and peer relationships. The researchers highlight the importance of early referrals and suggest adjustments to playtimes to accommodate children's specific needs.
A study found that children exposed to sodium valproate during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. The risk was lower among those exposed to lower doses of the drug.
Researchers found that a telehealth-delivered behavioral intervention improved language skills in youth with fragile X syndrome, while lovastatin showed no efficacy. The study used Parent-Implemented Language Intervention (PILI) to enhance parent-child interactions and promote language development.
A new test measures expressive language skills in individuals with Fragile X syndrome, helping increase participation in clinical studies aimed at improving intellectual and cognitive functioning. The test's reliability and validity were demonstrated through consistent scores across multiple administrations.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that sleep disturbance is common among young children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Down's syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Williams syndrome. The research showed that improved sleep patterns were associated with better language skills in these children.
A new Northwestern University study found that toddlers with language delays are nearly twice as likely to have severe and frequent temper tantrums. The research surveyed over 2,000 parents and discovered a link between delayed vocabulary and increased risk of later mental health problems.
Researchers used machine learning with neuroimaging to determine whether a person heard a real or made-up word based on their brain activity. The technique has potential applications in diagnosing language impairments in patients who are unresponsive or uncooperative, which can be challenging with standard language tasks.
Research examines language outcomes of children born preterm and full-term using different tests, revealing statistically significant group differences in language skills. Preterm children exhibited substantial grammatical difficulties not evident from standardized assessment.
Researchers have discovered differences in brain wiring diagrams between left and right auditory processing centers that may explain distinct speech processing functions. The study could lead to a better understanding of communication disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia.
A new study found that adults with serious mental illness and substance use disorders are less likely to meet Medicaid work requirements due to their health conditions. Researchers warn policymakers to consider the accessibility of mental health treatment and exemptions for those affected by work requirements.
Researchers discovered that the left hemisphere gauges sound changes in time, while the right is more attuned to frequency changes, resulting in alterations in pitch. This finding offers new insights into speech processing and could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment tools for language disorders.
A study by McGill University found that confidence in speech can overcome accent bias, making accented speakers equally believable to native speakers. The researchers discovered different brain regions are activated when evaluating speech from within and outside groups.
A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has identified a link between neurotransmitter imbalance and brain connectivity in individuals with autism. The research found that those with low functional connectivity tended to have impaired listening comprehension and reduced balance of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter levels.
A massive study of nearly 700,000 English speakers reveals that the optimal years to learn a second language is open until the age of 17.4, challenging standard theoretical accounts of language learning. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience, linguistics, developmental psychology, and public policy.