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Asthma among children with developmental disabilities

The study found that asthma was significantly more common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and vision, hearing, or speech delays. Children with these conditions were nearly twice as likely to have asthma compared to their non-disabled peers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2020

Dummies not to blame for common speech disorder in kids

Research published in Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica suggests that dummy use, breastfeeding, bottle use, and thumb sucking in early years do not cause or worsen phonological impairment, the most common type of speech disorder in children. The study found no significant association between sucking habits and speech delay.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFolia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica·DateOct 7, 2018

New study adds key piece to autism puzzle

A new study using eye-tracker technology shows that children with autism spectrum disorder fixate longer on a speaker's mouth rather than the eyes when the conversation turns emotional. The findings could affect speech therapy treatment, as children with ASD may miss social cues in facial expressions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateApr 4, 2016

How can I tell if she's lying?

A new video inventory developed at McGill University may aid in diagnosing disorders that make it hard for individuals to recognize non-literal speech like sarcasm and teasing. This is particularly challenging for men and people with conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or Autism spectrum disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2015

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

Crowdsourcing a valid option for gathering speech ratings

A study by New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that crowdsourcing using Amazon Mechanical Turk can produce high levels of agreement among listeners, even when individual responses are not highly accurate. With samples of nine or more AMT users, performance converges with that of ex...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Communication Disorders·DateFeb 17, 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

A sing-song way to a cure for speech disorder

Speech-language pathology researchers at the University of Missouri are studying Hindustani and classical singing styles to develop a treatment for laryngeal tremors. By understanding the physiology behind voluntary and involuntary pitch fluctuation, they aim to find a cure for this vocal disorder associated with neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Voice·DateOct 4, 2010

Why can't chimps speak?

A UCLA/Emory study discovered significant differences between the human and chimp versions of the FOXP2 gene, which may explain why humans developed language while chimps did not. The research provides insight into the evolution of the human brain and may lead to new drug targets for disorders characterized by speech disruption.

Infant sucking habits may affect how baby talks

A recent study published in BMC Pediatrics found that persistent sucking habits in infants, such as pacifier or bottle use, may lead to difficulty producing certain word sounds and simplifying pronunciation in preschool children. Delaying introduction of baby bottles until at least 9 months old can reduce the risk of speech disorders.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateOct 21, 2009

UQ research reclaims the power of speech

Researchers at UQ have found a new treatment approach for dysarthria patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program has shown positive effects on voice clarity and communication confidence, improving quality of life for those affected by the disorder.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·DateApr 13, 2009

Study shows variety of approaches help children overcome auditory processing and language problems

A new study sponsored by NIDCD found that intensive educational approaches, including play with peers, can significantly improve language abilities in children with unusual difficulty understanding and using language. The study compared four intervention strategies and found that all resulted in long-term improvements.

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...