Abstract
Mental retardation is typically associated with substantial delays in language. Researchers have been interested in the possible differences in the extent or nature of these delays across genetic syndromes, such as fragile X, Down, and Williams syndromes. This article addresses how genetic factors and environmental characteristics interact to produce specific language outcomes. We suggest that episodes of joint attention provide a means by which genetic anomalies can have indirect effects on some facets of language development. In doing so, we explain the nature of indirect effects and their influence on development; illustrate the link between joint attention and later language ability; discuss how joint attention may account for the characteristics associated with genetic syndromes, with special attention on fragile X syndrome; and consider implications for intervention.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 47-59 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Infants and Young Children |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - Jan 2005 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Fragile x syndrome
- Genetics
- Indirect effects
- Joint attention
- Language development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rehabilitation
- Health Professions(all)
- Education
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
Cite this
Indirect genetic effects and the early language development of children with genetic mental retardation syndromes : The role of joint attention. / Murphy, Melissa M.; Abbeduto, Leonard J.
In: Infants and Young Children, Vol. 18, No. 1, 01.2005, p. 47-59.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Indirect genetic effects and the early language development of children with genetic mental retardation syndromes
T2 - The role of joint attention
AU - Murphy, Melissa M.
AU - Abbeduto, Leonard J
PY - 2005/1
Y1 - 2005/1
N2 - Mental retardation is typically associated with substantial delays in language. Researchers have been interested in the possible differences in the extent or nature of these delays across genetic syndromes, such as fragile X, Down, and Williams syndromes. This article addresses how genetic factors and environmental characteristics interact to produce specific language outcomes. We suggest that episodes of joint attention provide a means by which genetic anomalies can have indirect effects on some facets of language development. In doing so, we explain the nature of indirect effects and their influence on development; illustrate the link between joint attention and later language ability; discuss how joint attention may account for the characteristics associated with genetic syndromes, with special attention on fragile X syndrome; and consider implications for intervention.
AB - Mental retardation is typically associated with substantial delays in language. Researchers have been interested in the possible differences in the extent or nature of these delays across genetic syndromes, such as fragile X, Down, and Williams syndromes. This article addresses how genetic factors and environmental characteristics interact to produce specific language outcomes. We suggest that episodes of joint attention provide a means by which genetic anomalies can have indirect effects on some facets of language development. In doing so, we explain the nature of indirect effects and their influence on development; illustrate the link between joint attention and later language ability; discuss how joint attention may account for the characteristics associated with genetic syndromes, with special attention on fragile X syndrome; and consider implications for intervention.
KW - Fragile x syndrome
KW - Genetics
KW - Indirect effects
KW - Joint attention
KW - Language development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=13544269359&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=13544269359&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:13544269359
VL - 18
SP - 47
EP - 59
JO - Infants and Young Children
JF - Infants and Young Children
SN - 0896-3746
IS - 1
ER -