Abstract
Purpose: In this study, the authors examined the impact of sampling context on multiple aspects of expressive language in male participants with fragile X syndrome in comparison to male participants with Down syndrome or typical development. Method: Participants with fragile X syndrome (n = 27), ages 10-17 years, were matched groupwise on nonverbal mental age to adolescents with Down syndrome (n = 15) and typically developing 3 to 6-year-olds (n = 15). Language sampling contexts were an interview-style conversation and narration of a wordless book, with scripted examiner behavior. Language was assessed in terms of amount of talk, mean length of communication unit (MLCU), lexical diversity, fluency, and intelligibility. Results: Participants with fragile X syndrome had lower MLCU and lexical diversity than did participants with typical development. Participants with Down syndrome produced yet lower MLCU. A differential effect of context among those with fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and typical development emerged for the number of attempts per minute, MLCU, and fluency. For participants with fragile X syndrome, autism symptom severity related to the number of utterances produced in conversation. Aspects of examiner behavior related to participant performance. Conclusion: Sampling context characteristics should be considered when assessing expressive language in individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1022-1038 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1 2012 |
Keywords
- Conversation
- Fragile X syndrome
- Language sampling
- Mean length of utterance (MLU)
- Narrative
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Speech and Hearing
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language
- Medicine(all)