Non-linguistic Cognitive Measures as Predictors of Functionally Defined Developmental Language Disorder in Monolingual and Bilingual Children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12632
Abstract
Background & Aims: Given that standardized language measures alone are inadequate for identifying functionally defined developmental language disorder (fDLD), this study investigated whether non-linguistic cognitive abilities (procedural learning, motor functions, executive attention, processing speed) can increase the prediction accuracy of fDLD in children in linguistically diverse settings.
Methods & Procedures: We examined non-linguistic cognitive abilities in mono- and bilingual school-aged children (ages 8–12) with and without fDLD. Typically developing (TD) children (14 monolinguals, 12 bilinguals) and children with fDLD (28 monolinguals, 12 bilinguals) completed tasks measuring motor functions, procedural learning, executive attention and processing speed. Children were assigned as fDLD based on parental or professional concerns regarding children's daily language functioning. If no concerns were present, children were assigned as TD. Standardized English scores, non-verbal IQ scores and years of maternal education were also obtained. Likelihood ratios were used to examine how well each measure separated the fDLD versus TD groups. A binary logistic regression was used to test whether combined measures enhanced the prediction of identifying fDLD status.
Outcomes & Results: A combination of linguistic and non-linguistic measures provided the best distinction between fDLD and TD for both mono- and bilingual groups. For monolingual children, the combined measures include English language scores, functional motor abilities and processing speed, whereas for bilinguals, the combined measures include English language scores and procedural learning.
Conclusions & Implications: A combination of non-linguistic and linguistic measures significantly improved the distinction between fDLD and TD for both mono- and bilingual groups. This study supports the possibility of using non-linguistic cognitive measures to identify fDLD in linguistically diverse settings.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v. 56, issue 4, p. 858-872
Scholar Commons Citation
Park, Ji Sook; Miller, Carol A.; Sanjeevan, Teenu; Hell, Janet G. Van; Weiss, Daniel J.; and Mainela-Arnold, Elina, "Non-linguistic Cognitive Measures as Predictors of Functionally Defined Developmental Language Disorder in Monolingual and Bilingual Children" (2021). Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Publications. 54.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/csd_facpub/54
