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Do we trust people who speak with an accent?

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 18, 2018

Link found between neurotransmitter imbalance, brain connectivity in those with autism

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJun 6, 2018

Brain's window for language learning open until adulthood

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.

SourceBoston College·JournalCognition·DateMay 1, 2018

In utero exposure to extreme morning sickness may cause developmental deficits in children

A new study from UCLA has found that women experiencing extreme morning sickness during pregnancy are three times more likely to have children with attention disorders and language delays. In utero exposure to HG may be linked to nutrient deficiency and life-long effects on the exposed fetus.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateApr 20, 2015

Speech emerges in children with autism and severe language delay at greater rate than thought

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that 70% of children with autism spectrum disorders achieve phrase or fluent speech by age eight, driven by nonverbal intelligence and social interest. The study also found that core abilities, such as nonverbal intelligence and social engagement, have a greater influence on communication dev...

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 4, 2013

Language as a window into sociability

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that individuals with Williams syndrome process spoken language differently from those with autism spectrum disorders, which has opposite social profiles. People with Williams syndrome exhibit an abnormally large N400 response indicating sensitivity to semantic aspects of language.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateAug 13, 2010

Exposure to 2 languages carries far-reaching benefits

A Northwestern University study found that bilingual participants mastered nearly twice the number of words as monolinguals when learning an invented language. The research suggests that early exposure to two languages carries far-reaching benefits, making bilingual individuals better language learners in general.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 19, 2009

When it's more than the 'terrible twos'

Researchers estimate RASD affects 25-30% of children with an autistic disorder. Children with RASD typically develop normally until 18-24 months, then regress and lose previously acquired skills. Identifying early signs is crucial to address potential neurological development issues.

SourceTemple University·JournalNeuropsychology Review·DateDec 9, 2008

Grappling with grammar

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) have impaired grammar processing, but compensate by using neural circuitry associated with vocabulary and world knowledge. This finding offers new hope for sufferers of SLI and suggests a need for focussed and specialised help.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2008

MRI shows brain changes underlying language deficits in autism

Researchers found that autistic boys with normal language capabilities have a typical brain organization, while those with language problems exhibit similar brain changes as non-autistic boys with Specific Language Impairment. The study supports the idea that autism and SLI are disruptions in neurodevelopment and neurobiology.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 11, 2004

Is there a critical period for sign language?

Dr. Rachel I. Mayberry's research indicates that there is a critical period for sign language acquisition, guiding the learning of all first languages. This critical period emphasizes the importance of early childhood exposure and language acquisition in order to achieve optimal comprehension.

Mother Tongue Has A Say In Specific Language Impairment

A cross-cultural study of over 200 children with specific language impairment found that their native language affects the number and types of problems they face. The study suggests that creative use errors and grammatical principles are key to understanding the disorder, which prevents millions of children from keeping up in the class...