Language And Communication In Mental Retardation

Research on language and communication development and intervention in persons with mental retardation has been conducted at a fast and furious pace during the last two decades. Past attempts to summarize this research have been rather restricted, focusing on a single, narrowly defined substantive domain such as lexical development, or of a single etiology such as Down Syndrome. This volume, in contrast, presents a critical, integrative review of research and theory on language development and processing across all domains and a variety of etiologies. In addition, many previous attempts to review portions of this research have failed to consider the research within the context of current theory and data from developmental psycholinguistics and linguistics. A major contribution of this book is the emphasis on relevant work outside of mental retardation for understanding and treating the language and communication problems of persons with mental retardation. Finally, this book is comprehensive and up-to-date across all the areas of language covered including appropriate introductory material in linguistics and psychology -- discussions of the innateness, cognition-first and motherese views of normal language acquisition. In addition, the authors' extensive bibliography is valuable in and of itself to any serious student or professional in the area.

Language and communication problems have long figured prominently in the definition of mental retardation. Volume 27 of the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation focuses exclusively on these language and communication issues. The pace of research on language learning and use in mental retardation has increased in recent years and taken new direction. This revitalization has been fueled by three factors: 1) advances in genetic technologies allowing investigation of the behavioral phenotypes of well-defined syndromes, 2) an increased emphasis on maximizing abilities of individuals with mental retardation to live and succeed in a broader range of contexts and settings, and 3) theoretical debates concerning the mechanisms of language development and the nature of the human mind. Contents in Language and Communication in Mental Retardation include syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome, Williams syndrome), domains of language skill (e.g., reading), and intervention strategies. Contains the most current research on genetic syndromes, including Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndrome Outlines the most current research on language and communication intervention for persons with mental retardation Authors consider the implications of the research reviewed for both theory and clinical practice Authors bring state-of-the-art knowledge of cognitive science, developmental science, linguistic, and behavioral genetics to bear on important questions about language and mental retardation Includes new research on long-studied conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) and disorders that are of only recent interest to child language researchers (e.g., fetal alcohol syndrome) Includes a consideration of nonverbal, as well as verbal, communication

International Review of Research in Mental Retardation is an ongoing scholarly look at research into the causes, effects, classification systems, syndromes, etc. of mental retardation. Contributors come from wide-ranging perspectives, including genetics, psychology, education, and other health and behavioral sciences. Volume 35 of the series offers chapters on theory and research, social cognition and social competence in children with Down Sydrome, the Flynn Effect and the role of IQ, remaining open to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method designs, active support, child abuse, and the role of siblings of children with mental retardation. The wide range of topics covered in these chapters make Volume 35 of the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation a particularly valuable resource for academic researchers in developmental and cognitive psychology, as well as those in neuropsychology. Provides the most recent scholarly research in the study of mental retardation A vast range of perspectives is offered, and many topics are covered An excellent resource for academic researchers

This text provides speech and language therapists and language researchers with a state-of-the art review covering all aspects of speech and language development in individuals with Down syndrome. Written by leading experts in the field, it includes chapters on: the principles which should guide intervention; prelinguistic development; pragmatics and communication; literacy and language; augmentative communication; intervention with adolescents and adults; maintenance of skills for older adults; and a perspective on pertinent issues. Each chapter summarizes research and provides guidelines for effective interventions. This book should be a valuable guide to those working in the field who wish to be able to provide evidence-based interventions for individuals with Down syndrome and to contribute to their quality of life by improving their communication skills.

Twelve contributions present an up-to-date picture of current research into the language processes of mentally handicapped people. Topics range from the development of phonology to the acquisition and use of subtle conversational devices to a demonstration that the study of language and communication can do more than provide a framework for training programs. Annotation(c) 2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

A comprehensive yet highly readable text containing theory and practical applications, Language and Communication Disorders in Children, Sixth Edition, offers readers a rewarding experience in learning how to provide language intervention to communicatively disordered children. The sixth edition of this best-selling introduction to language disorders text has been substantially revised to bring about the most current information in the dynamic areas of speech-language pathology and special education. It keenly focuses on the ways in which children learn language and how to help those who struggle with it, and on the area of language to explain different kinds of developmental disabilities in children. The text has been thoroughly updated, revised, and reorganized providing the most current information about the dynamic areas of speech-language pathology and special education. The sixth edition exhibits reorganized and updated chapters: Language Impairments in Preschool Populations (Chapter 4); Nature & Scope of Language-Learning Disabilities: Characteristics, Frameworks and Connections (Chapter 5); Making Sense of Language Learning Disabilities: Assessment and Support for Academic Success (Chapter 11); The Changing Role of the SLP (Chapter 9). Key topics include: Applying theories of child development, speech and hearing science, and language development and disorders to the study of children's language and communication disorders; Evidence based assessment strategies, including curriculum-based assessment and response to intervention (RTI), as well as dynamic assessment and integrated intervention; Formal and informal methods of assessment for infants and toddlers; Use of AAC with very young children; Increased emphasis on adolescent langua≥ Discussion of the relationship between oral and written langua≥ "Best Practices" in early language intervention with an emphasis on collaborative and family-centered approaches; and Information on legislative influences on the delivery of services to infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged populations.

A valuable reference for students and clinicians, Intervention in Child Language Disorders: A Comprehensive Handbook focuses on interventions that have been shown to be effective in helping children overcome language impairments. The Handbook is comprehensive with regard to children's ages, covering language disorders in children from infancy to high school age. Addressing fundamental principles and clinical practice methods, this indispensable resource presents creative clinical ideas and treatment examples based on a firm theoretical foundation. Intervention in Child Language Disorders: A Comprehensive Handbook discusses language disorders resulting from a wide range of etiologies, including learning disabilities, mental retardation, physical impairments, autism, hearing impairments, brain injury and specific language impairments. This comprehensive and informative text will help students and speech-language pathologists provide optimal interventions for children with language disorders.