title: Using early standardized language measures to predict later language and early reading outcomes in children at high risk for language-learning impairments.
abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the profiles of children with a family history (FH+) of language-learning impairments (LLI) and a control group of children with no reported family history of LLI (FH-) and identify which language constructs (receptive or expressive) and which ages (2 or 3 years) are related to expressive and receptive language abilities, phonological awareness, and reading abilities at ages 5 and 7 years. Participants included 99 children (40 FH+ and 59 FH-) who received a standardized neuropsychological battery at 2, 3, 5, and 7 years of age. As a group, the FH+ children had significantly lower scores on all language measures at 2 and 3 years, on selected language and phonological awareness measures at 5 years, and on phonological awareness and nonword reading at 7 years. Language comprehension at 3 years was the best predictor of later language and early reading for both groups. These results support past work suggesting that children with a positive family history of LLI are at greater risk for future language and reading problems through their preschool and early school-age years. Furthermore, language comprehension in the early years is a strong predictor of future language-learning status.
authors.affiliation: Rutgers University, USA.
authors.forename: Judy F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Flax
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Realpe-Bonilla
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roesler
authors.forename: Naseem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Choudhury
authors.forename: April
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benasich
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D007807:Language Tests / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010700:Phonetics; D011594:Psychometrics; D011932:Reading; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data