On the sensitivity and specificity of nonword repetition and sentence recall to language and memory impairments in children.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examined the utility of 2 measures proposed as markers of specific language impairment (SLI) in identifying specific impairments in language or working memory in school-age children.


METHODS
A group of 400 school-age children completed a 5-min screening consisting of nonword repetition and sentence recall. A subset of low (n = 52) and average (n = 38) scorers completed standardized tests of language, short-term and working memory, and nonverbal intelligence.


RESULTS
Approximately equal numbers of children were identified with specific impairments in either language or working memory. A group about twice as large had deficits in both language and working memory. Sensitivity of the screening measure for both SLI and specific working memory impairments was 84% or greater, although specificity was closer to 50%. Sentence recall performance below the 10th percentile was associated with sensitivity and specificity values above 80% for SLI.


CONCLUSIONS
Developmental deficits may be specific to language or working memory, or include impairments in both areas. Sentence recall is a useful clinical marker of SLI and combined language and working memory impairments.
Archibald
Lisa M D
LM
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Elborn College, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. larchiba@uwo.ca
Joanisse
Marc F
MF
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D011939:Mental Recall; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014825:Vocabulary