title: The effects of cerebellar ataxia on sign language production: a case study.
abstract: Speech and sign production both require precise coordination of multiple articulators. The characteristics of dysarthria following ataxia have been well-documented, but less is known about the consequences of ataxia for sign language, which uses the hands and arms as articulators. This is the first study to examine ataxic dysarthria in a sign language user. What is novel in this research is that the limbs are employed for both linguistic and non-linguistic movements. Notably, sign production deficits broadly resembled ataxic dysarthria, while non-linguistic movement deficits were similar to those previously reported for ataxic limb movement.
authors: Haskins Laboratories, 300 George St., Suite 900, New Haven, CT 06511, USA. tyrone@haskins.yale.edu
authors: Martha E
authors: ME
authors: Tyrone
authors: Joanna R
authors: JR
authors: Atkinson
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Marshall
authors: Bencie
authors: B
authors: Woll
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002524:Cerebellar Ataxia; D004401:Dysarthria; D006801:Humans; D007807:Language Tests; D008037:Linguistics; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012813:Sign Language