Complexity in language learning and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To introduce a Clinical Forum focused on the Complexity Account of Treatment Efficacy (C. K. Thompson, L. P. Shapiro, S. Kiran, & J. Sobecks, 2003), a counterintuitive but effective approach for treating language disorders. This approach espouses training complex structures to promote generalized improvement of simpler, linguistically related structures. Three articles are included, addressing complexity in treatment of phonology, lexical-semantics, and syntax.


METHODS
Complexity hierarchies based on models of normal language representation and processing are discussed in each language domain. In addition, each article presents single-subject controlled experimental studies examining the complexity effect. By counterbalancing treatment of complex and simple structures across participants, acquisition and generalization patterns are examined as they emerge.


RESULTS
In all language domains, cascading generalization occurs from more to less complex structures; however, the opposite pattern is rarely seen. The results are robust, with replication within and across participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The construct of complexity appears to be a general principle that is relevant to treating a range of language disorders in both children and adults. While challenging the long-standing clinical notion that treatment should begin with simple structures, mounting evidence points toward the facilitative effects of using more complex structures as a starting point for treatment.
Thompson
Cynthia K
CK
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-3540, USA. ckthom@northwestern.edu
D001184:Articulation Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D007808:Language Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010700:Phonetics; D014706:Verbal Learning