Desempenho em decodificação e escrita de crianças com Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem: dados preliminares / Performance in decoding and writing of children with Developmental Language Disorder: preliminary data

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o desempenho de crianças com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem em provas de decodificação e escrita para assim entender melhor suas manifestações e o processo de aquisição das habilidades da linguagem escrita. Método Foram sujeitos do estudo 80 crianças. Compuseram o Grupo-Pesquisa 16 crianças com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem, sendo 13 do gênero masculino e 3 do gênero feminino, média de idade de 7,3. O Grupo Controle contou com 64 sujeitos pareados em gênero, idade, escolaridade e nível sócio econômico com o Grupo Controle na proporção 4:1. Foi realizada avaliação da habilidade de decodificação de palavras e pseudopalavras de ambos os grupos, contabilizando-se o tempo de leitura de palavras corretas e a porcentagem de acertos, considerando-se também a extensão da palavra/pseudopalavra. A avaliação da escrita foi realizada no grupo controle, que teve seus erros ortográficos analisados e categorizados. Todos os dados passaram por análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados Os dados indicaram maior tempo de decodificação e menor porcentagem de acertos para as crianças do Grupo Pesquisa. Em relação aos erros ortográficos, observou-se a predominância de erros de ortografia arbitrária. Conclusão Os dados evidenciam que crianças com Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem tendem a apresentar maior tempo de decodificação, maior porcentagem de erros do que seus além, de erros ortográficos mais concentrados na ortografia natural.

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the performance of children with Developmental Language Disorder in decoding and writing tests in order to better understand their manifestations and the process of acquiring written language skills. Methods The study subjects were 80 children. The Research Group consisted of 16 children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder, 13 males and 3 females, mean age of 7.3. The Control Group counted on 64 subjects paired in gender, age, education and socioeconomic level with the Control Group in a 4:1 ratio. The ability to decode words and pseudowords of both groups was evaluated, measuring the time spent to correctly read words and the percentage of correct answers, also considering the length of the word/pseudoword. The writing evaluation was carried out in the control group, which had its spelling errors analyzed and categorized. All data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results The data indicated a longer decoding time and a lower percentage of correct answers for the children from the Research Group. Regarding spelling errors, there was a predominance of arbitrary spelling errors. Conclusion The data showed that children with Developmental Language Disorder tend to have a longer decoding time, greater percentage of errors than their peers and tend to present spelling errors more concentrated in natural orthography.

Perfil de atos comunicativos de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento de linguagem / Profile of communicative acts of children with developmental language disorder

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar os atos comunicativos de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem, verificando a quantidade de atos comunicativos, atos comunicativos interativos e sua relação com a idade cronológica. Métodos Foram participantes 40 crianças de ambos os gêneros com diagnóstico de transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem com idades entre 3 anos e 2 meses e 7 anos e 11 meses. Todos os sujeitos foram avaliados com a Prova de Pragmática ABFW - Teste de Linguagem Infantil, em sua avaliação inicial. Especificamente para este estudo, focou-se na verificação da quantidade de atos comunicativos, atos comunicativos por minuto, atos comunicativos interativos e número de iniciativas comunicativas. Resultados Os dados indicaram que crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem apresentam alterações importantes em relação aos atos comunicativos e interações comunicativas e há correlação dessas variáveis com a idade cronológica. Conclusão Crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem apresentam diminuição no número de atos comunicativos, atos comunicativos interativos e interações comunicativas, quando comparadas aos valores de referência de crianças típicas, independentemente da idade.

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize the communicative acts of children with Developmental Language Disorder, verifying the number of communicative acts, interactive communicative acts, and their relationship with chronological age. Methods Forty children of both sexes with a diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder aged between 3 years and seven years and 11 months were subjects. All subjects were assessed with the ABFW Pragmatics Test - Child Language Test in their initial assessment. Specifically, this study focused on verifying the number of communicative acts, communicative acts per minute, interactive communicative acts, and the number of communicative initiatives. Results The data indicate that children with Developmental Language Disorder present significant alterations concerning communicative acts and communicative interactions, and there is a correlation between these variables and chronological age. Conclusion Children with Developmental Language Disorder show a decrease in the number of communicative acts, interactive communicative acts, and communicative interactions when compared to the reference values of typical children, regardless of age.

Performance in decoding and writing of children with Developmental Language Disorder: preliminary data. / Desempenho em decodificação e escrita de crianças com Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem: dados preliminares.

PURPOSE: to verify the performance of children with Developmental Language Disorder in decoding and writing tests in order to better understand their manifestations and the process of acquiring written language skills. METHODS: The study subjects were 80 children. The Research Group consisted of 16 children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder, 13 males and 3 females, mean age of 7.3. The Control Group counted on 64 subjects paired in gender, age, education and socioeconomic level with the Control Group in a 4:1 ratio. The ability to decode words and pseudowords of both groups was evaluated, measuring the time spent to correctly read words and the percentage of correct answers, also considering the length of the word/pseudoword. The writing evaluation was carried out in the control group, which had its spelling errors analyzed and categorized. All data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. RESULTS: The data indicated a longer decoding time and a lower percentage of correct answers for the children from the Research Group. Regarding spelling errors, there was a predominance of arbitrary spelling errors. CONCLUSION: The data showed that children with Developmental Language Disorder tend to have a longer decoding time, greater percentage of errors than their peers and tend to present spelling errors more concentrated in natural orthography.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o desempenho de crianças com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem em provas de decodificação e escrita para assim entender melhor suas manifestações e o processo de aquisição das habilidades da linguagem escrita. MÉTODO: Foram sujeitos do estudo 80 crianças. Compuseram o Grupo-Pesquisa 16 crianças com diagnóstico de Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem, sendo 13 do gênero masculino e 3 do gênero feminino, média de idade de 7,3. O Grupo Controle contou com 64 sujeitos pareados em gênero, idade, escolaridade e nível sócio econômico com o Grupo Controle na proporção 4:1. Foi realizada avaliação da habilidade de decodificação de palavras e pseudopalavras de ambos os grupos, contabilizando-se o tempo de leitura de palavras corretas e a porcentagem de acertos, considerando-se também a extensão da palavra/pseudopalavra. A avaliação da escrita foi realizada no grupo controle, que teve seus erros ortográficos analisados e categorizados. Todos os dados passaram por análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. RESULTADOS: Os dados indicaram maior tempo de decodificação e menor porcentagem de acertos para as crianças do Grupo Pesquisa. Em relação aos erros ortográficos, observou-se a predominância de erros de ortografia arbitrária. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados evidenciam que crianças com Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem tendem a apresentar maior tempo de decodificação, maior porcentagem de erros do que seus além, de erros ortográficos mais concentrados na ortografia natural.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). RESULTS: The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. CONCLUSION: The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit / Caracterização das habilidades de alimentação e marcadores clínicos de recém-nascidos prematuros com gastrosquise em unidade de terapia neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). Results The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. Conclusion The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os achados clínicos e de alimentação de prematuros com gastrosquise (GTQ) em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal comparando-os a recém-nascidos (RNs) prematuros sem anomalias congênitas. Método Foi realizado estudo caso controle de caráter retrospectivo com 50 RNs prematuros (25 com GTQ e 25 sem comorbidades - grupo controle). Os RNs foram comparados quanto aos dados demográficos clínicos: risco de mortalidade e de avaliação fonoaudiológica (sucção não nutritiva e nutritiva). Posteriormente foi aplicado o modelo de regressão logística múltipla a fim de determinar as variáveis associadas ao desfecho fonoaudiológico negativo (alta fonoaudiológica após mais de 7 dias considerando a primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica). Resultados Os resultados da primeira análise indicaram que houve diferença entre o GTQ e o GC para as seguintes variáveis: tempo total em dias de internação; uso de ventilação mecânica (invasiva x não invasiva); dias de vida na data da primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica; uso de via alternativa de alimentação, sendo que o grupo GTQ apresentou piores resultados. Os resultados da regressão logística múltipla indicaram que o diagnóstico de GTQ, uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva e ausência de pressão intraoral adequada durante a primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica foram fatores de risco para o desfecho fonoaudiológico negativo. Conclusão As habilidades de alimentação dos prematuros com GTQ está relacionada à gravidade do quadro (complicações do trato gastro digestivo), exigindo maior tempo de internação, uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva, uso prolongado de via alternativa de alimentação e necessidade de mais atendimento fonoaudiológico para iniciar a alimentação por via oral.

Relationships between chronological and linguistic age and phonological awareness in children with developmental language disorder / Relações entre idade linguística e consciência fonológica de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify whether there is a relation between linguistic age and performance in phonological awareness of children presented with developmental language disorder. Methods: a retrospective study comprising 53 children with developmental language disorder aged between 4 and 7 years old. Their language disorder diagnosis followed the inclusion criteria internationally described and Brazilian standardized tests for language assessment were used. All children underwent phonological awareness and linguistic skills assessment via standardized tests and all data went through statistical analysis. For correlation analysis, the p-value was performed through the Pearson's test. In the regression analysis the models used expressive and receptive linguistic age as independent variables and the performance in phonological awareness as a dependent variable (p=0,036* and p= 0,048*). Results: the data indicated a strong correlation between language age and phonological awareness skills in children with language developmental disorder. A strong correlation between syllabic awareness and linguistic age was found as well. In addition, phonemic awareness was correlated to their chronological age. All correlation tests were confirmed by regression analysis. Conclusion: the data indicated a strong correlation between linguistic age and phonological awareness in children with developmental language disorders. These findings raise discussion regarding phonemic skills in children under this condition and their literacy process.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se há relações entre a idade linguística e consciência fonológica em crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento de linguagem. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo. Foram sujeitos 53 crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem com idade entre 4 e 7 anos. O diagnóstico seguiu critérios de inclusão descritos internacionalmente. Todas as crianças passaram por avaliação da consciência fonológica e avaliação de linguagem por meio de testes específicos. Os dados passaram por análise estatística. A análise de correlação foi realizada utilizando o teste de correlação de Pearson. Na análise de regressão, os modelos tiveram a idade linguística expressiva e receptiva como variáveis independentes e o desempenho em consciência fonológica como variável dependente. O valor de significância estatística adotado foi igual a 5% (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: os dados indicaram forte relação entre idade linguística e habilidades de consciência fonológica. Observou-se, ainda, forte correlação entre consciência silábica e idade linguística. Além disso, a consciência fonêmica mostrou-se correlacionada com a idade cronológica. Todas as correlações foram confirmadas por meio de uma análise de regressão. Conclusão: os dados indicaram forte correlação entre a idade linguística e as habilidades de consciência fonológica em crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem. Ademais, mostraram evidências de que essa correlação existe tanto para idade linguística expressiva quanto receptiva apenas quanto às habilidades silábicas.

Nationwide questionnaire data of 229 Williams-Beuren syndrome patients using WhatsApp tool.

BACKGROUND: Williams-Beuren syndrome is a multisystemic disorder caused by a microdeletion of the 7q11.23 region. Although familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported, the vast majority are sporadic. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the main complaints and clinical findings of patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome. METHODS: A total of 757 parents of patients registered in the Brazilian Association of Williams-Beuren Syndrome (ABSW) received a questionnaire via WhatsApp from March to July 2017. RESULTS: In total, 229 parents answered the survey. Age of diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 34 years (median: 3 years). The main clinical findings reported by the parents were abdominal colic (83.3%), failure to thrive (71.5%), feeding difficulty in the first year (68.9%), otitis (56.6%), urinary tract infections (31.9%), precocious puberty (27.1%) and scoliosis (15.9%). Cardiac defects were present in 66% of patients, and the most frequent defect was supravalvular aortic stenosis (36%). Arterial hypertension was reported in 23%. Hypercalcemia was reported in 10.5% of patients, mainly during the first year of life. Hyperacusis and hypersociability were common complaints (both present in 89%). Other behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by the parents included attention deficit (89%), anger crises (83%), excessive fear (66%), depression (64%), anxiety (67%) and hypersexuality (33%). The most common complaints were hypersensitivity to sounds, talkative personality, emotional dependence and learning difficulties. In 98.3%, the parents denied family history. CONCLUSIONS: Williams-Beuren syndrome requires close follow-up with different medical specialties due to their variable clinical comorbidities, including language and school learning difficulties, behavioral and psychiatric problems.

Nationwide questionnaire data of 229 Williams-Beuren syndrome patients using WhatsApp tool / Resultados de um questionário nacional de 229 pacientes com síndrome de Williams-Beuren obtidos por WhatsApp

ABSTRACT Background: Williams-Beuren syndrome is a multisystemic disorder caused by a microdeletion of the 7q11.23 region. Although familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported, the vast majority are sporadic. Objective: To investigate the main complaints and clinical findings of patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome. Methods: A total of 757 parents of patients registered in the Brazilian Association of Williams-Beuren Syndrome (ABSW) received a questionnaire via WhatsApp from March to July 2017. Results: In total, 229 parents answered the survey. Age of diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 34 years (median: 3 years). The main clinical findings reported by the parents were abdominal colic (83.3%), failure to thrive (71.5%), feeding difficulty in the first year (68.9%), otitis (56.6%), urinary tract infections (31.9%), precocious puberty (27.1%) and scoliosis (15.9%). Cardiac defects were present in 66% of patients, and the most frequent defect was supravalvular aortic stenosis (36%). Arterial hypertension was reported in 23%. Hypercalcemia was reported in 10.5% of patients, mainly during the first year of life. Hyperacusis and hypersociability were common complaints (both present in 89%). Other behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by the parents included attention deficit (89%), anger crises (83%), excessive fear (66%), depression (64%), anxiety (67%) and hypersexuality (33%). The most common complaints were hypersensitivity to sounds, talkative personality, emotional dependence and learning difficulties. In 98.3%, the parents denied family history. Conclusions: Williams-Beuren syndrome requires close follow-up with different medical specialties due to their variable clinical comorbidities, including language and school learning difficulties, behavioral and psychiatric problems.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A síndrome de Williams-Beauren é doença de acometimento multisistêmico causado pela microdeleção da região 7q11.23. Apesar de haver casos familiares com herança autossômica dominante, a grande maioria dos casos é esporádica. Objetivo: Investigar as principais queixas e achados clínicos da síndrome. Métodos: 757 pais de pacientes inscritos na Associação Brasileira de Síndrome de Williams-Beuren (ABSW) receberam um questionário pelo WhatsApp, entre março e julho de 2017. Resultados: 229 pais de pacientes responderam à pesquisa. A idade de diagnóstico variou de 2 dias até 34 anos (mediana: 3 anos). Os principais achados reportados pelos pais: cólicas abdominais (83,3%), deficiência ponderoestatural (71,5%), dificuldade de alimentação no primeiro ano (68,9%), otite (56,6%), infecções do trato urinário (31,9%), puberdade precoce (27,1%) e escoliose (15,9%). Cardiopatias estavam presentes em 66%, sendo que a mais frequente era a estenose pulmonar supravalvar (36%). Hipertensão arterial foi reportada em 23%. Hipercalcemia foi reportada em 10,5%, principalmente no primeiro ano de vida. Hiperacusia e hiperssociabilidade foram achados comuns (89%). Os principais achados comportamentais e psiquiátricos reportados pelos pais foram: déficit de atenção (89%), crises de raiva (83%), medo excessivo (66%), depressão (64%), ansiedade (67%) e hiperssexualidade (33%). As queixas principais referidas foram hipersensibilidade a sons, personalidade excessivamente amigável, dependência emocional e dificuldades escolares. Em 98,3% dos casos os pais negaram história familial. Conclusões: A síndrome de Williams-Beuren é requer um seguimento e manejo estritos, com diferentes especialidades médicas devido às comorbidades clínicas variadas, que incluem dificuldades de linguagem e aprendizagem escolar, além de dificuldades comportamentais e psiquiátricas.

Linguistic-Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer of childhood. Impairment in linguistic and memory skills is a possible late sequela in cancer survivors that can limit their quality of life and the overall performance of the individual in society. There is evidence that survivors of ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy demonstrate significant differences in long-term linguistic and memory functions and also changes in neuroanatomical integrity. However, most studies described do not count on a speech-language pathologist in their team, which we consider important to discuss. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess memory and vocabulary skills in the pediatric population diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia during chemotherapy treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted over a 1.8-year period. Participants of this research were children diagnosed with ALL. All participants were assessed on their linguistic-cognitive skills (ie, vocabulary, short-term memory and lexical access). All data underwent statistical analyses. RESULTS: The results of the current study found no major significant difference in the linguistic-cognitive performance of children with ALL and their healthy controls. Regarding the linguistic variables, we believe that there should be a differentiation between the effects of the drugs and the effects of social communication skills on performance. CONCLUSION: This first characterization of the linguistic-cognitive abilities of children with ALL did not identify differences between these children and their healthy peers, although we were able to identify variables regarding the multidisciplinary team and social communication that should be considered in future studies.

Simbolic play, vocabulary and intellectual performance of children with developmental language disorder. / Maturidade simbólica, vocabulário e desempenho intelectual de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem.

PURPOSE: To verify whether the performance in the first assessment of pretend play of children with diagnostic hypothesis of developmental language disorder, correlates with the performance in formal tests of non-verbal intellectual function and both receptive and expressive vocabulary after 5 years old. METHODS: The research comprised 26 subjects, 19 of whom were male, and 7 were female, with an mean age of 4:10. All participants presented a diagnostic hypothesis of developmental language disorder based on inclusion and exclusion criteria described internationally. Data were analyzed in relation to pretend play, vocabulary and performance in standardized intellectual assessment test; we also investigated correlation between them. All data underwent statistical analysis and the confidence intervals were 95%. RESULTS: As for pretend play, it was found that most children with suspected developmental language disorder present more primitive symbolic development. Regarding vocabulary, the data show greater performance in receptive vocabulary than in expressive. In the assessment of the intelligence quotient, the children obtained, in their majority, classifications in the mean score and superior score to their age. Regarding the interaction between studied variables, no correlation was found. CONCLUSION: No relationship was found between the studied variables. The data are discussed in the light of international literature and promote important reflections on the symbolic-linguistic development of this population.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se o desempenho da primeira avaliação da maturidade simbólica de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da linguagem, se correlaciona com o desempenho em provas formais de avaliação da função intelectual não-verbal e vocabulário receptivo e expressivo após os 5 anos de idade. MÉTODO: A pesquisa foi composta por 26 sujeitos, sendo 19 do sexo masculino, e 7 do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 4:10. Todos os participantes tinham, por ocasião da avaliação inicial, hipótese diagnóstica de TDL, posteriormente confirmada com base em critérios de inclusão e exclusão descritos internacionalmente. Foram analisados dados em relação à maturidade simbólica, vocabulário e desempenho em avaliação intelectual padronizada e investigada correlação entre eles. Todos os dados passaram por análise estatística e os intervalos de confiança foram de 95%. RESULTADOS: Quanto à maturidade simbólica, verificou-se tanto para o jogo mais utilizado, quanto para o mais elaborado, que a maioria das crianças com transtorno de desenvolvimento da linguagem apresentaram jogos mais primitivos. Em relação ao vocabulário, os dados apontam um melhor desempenho em vocabulário receptivo. Na avaliação do quociente de inteligência, as crianças obtiveram, em sua maioria, classificações na média e superior à média. Em relação à interação entre variáveis estudadas, nenhuma correlação foi encontrada. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram encontradas correlações entre as variáveis estudadas. Os dados são discutidos à luz de literatura internacional e promovem importantes reflexões a respeito do desenvolvimento simbólico-linguístico dessa população.

Do preschoolers born premature perform properly on lexical and verbal short-term memory abilities? / Pré-escolares nascidos prematuros apresentam desempenho adequado em vocabulário expressivo e memória de curto prazo verbal?

PURPOSE: To investigate lexical performance and verbal short-term memory ability in premature infants at preschool age and compare the results with their full-term peers. METHODS: Forty preschool children aged between 4 and 5 years and 11 months participated on the study and were equally divided into two groups considering their gestational age: preterm and full-term. Groups did not differ on age, family income and maternal education. Participants were paired according to their chronological age and their socioeconomic status. Their performance was assessed using expressive vocabulary and verbal short-term memory tests. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Group performance did not differ on vocabulary, but premature children showed an inferior performance on nonword repetition tasks. CONCLUSION: These data indicates that preschoolers born premature performed statistically lower than their peers born full-term on nonword repetition task. Thus, premature birth was associated to vocabulary development on typically developing range, but also to verbal short-term memory impairments.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o desempenho lexical e a habilidade de memória de curto prazo verbal em crianças prematuras em idade pré-escolar, e comparar os resultados com seus pares nascidos a termo. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 40 pré-escolares com idade entre 4 e 5 anos e 11 meses divididos em dois grupos, sendo 20 nascidos prematuros e 20 nascidos a termo. Os grupos não diferiram quanto à idade, renda familiar e escolaridade materna. Foram utilizados testes de vocabulário expressivo e memória de curto prazo verbal. A análise estatística inferencial foi realizada por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: O desempenho dos grupos não diferiu na tarefa de vocabulário, mas o grupo de prematuros apresentou desempenho inferior ao de seus pares na tarefa de repetição de não palavras. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra, o desempenho dos pré-escolares que nasceram prematuros foi estatisticamente inferior ao daqueles nascidos a termo apenas na tarefa de repetição de não palavras. Assim, o nascimento prematuro esteve associado a desempenho no vocabulário expressivo compatível com o esperado para a idade, porém com prejuízos na memória de curto prazo verbal.

Application of a Brazilian test of expressive vocabulary in European Portuguese children. / Aplicação de uma prova brasileira de vocabulário expressivo em crianças falantes do Português Europeu.

Objective to investigate the performance of European Portuguese children in a Brazilian test of expressive vocabulary, seeking to identify differences between age groups and gender, and to verify its applicability in this population. Methods the sample consisted of 150 typical developed children, of both genders, between the ages of 5 and 6. All children attended public schools in the north area of Portugal. To assess the semantic performance, the expressive vocabulary sub-test of the language test (ABFW) was used, considering the percentage of usual verbal assignments and the classification (adequate/inadequate) according to the Brazilian reference values. Results the performance of the European Portuguese children indicated that at age 6 they have a higher percentage of correct answers in expressive vocabulary. As for the gender, there were only occasional differences: the girls showed a greater dominance in the semantic fields of clothing (both ages) and furniture and utensils (at age 5), whereas the boys showed more dominance in the semantic field means of transportation (6 years). Regarding classification, there was no difference between age groups in overall performance. Only the semantic field shapes and colors had more individuals of 6 years with inadequate performance. Conclusion the reference values adopted in the Brazilian population for semantic performance indicated that more than 80% of the children of each age group could have their performance classified as adequate. Such evidence suggests that this tool shows potential as an instrument of quantitative vocabulary's assessment of 5 and 6-years old children in European Portuguese.

Aplicação de uma prova brasileira de vocabulário expressivo em crianças falantes do Português Europeu / Application of a Brazilian test of expressive vocabulary in European Portuguese children

RESUMO Objetivo investigar o desempenho de crianças falantes do Português Europeu em prova brasileira de vocabulário expressivo, buscando apontar se existem diferenças entre as faixas etárias e o gênero, além de verificar sua aplicabilidade nesta população. Método a amostra foi constituída de 150 crianças em desenvolvimento típico, de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 5 e 6 anos. Todas frequentavam escolas de ensino públicas na região norte de Portugal. Para avaliação do desempenho semântico, foi utilizada a prova do vocabulário expressivo do teste de linguagem infantil - ABFW, considerando a porcentagem de designações verbais usuais e a classificação (adequado / inadequado) de acordo com os valores de referência brasileiros. Resultados o desempenho das crianças portuguesas indicou que aos 6 anos elas têm maior porcentagem de acertos no vocabulário expressivo. Quanto ao gênero, houve apenas diferenças pontuais: as meninas demonstraram maior domínio nos campos semânticos vestuário (em ambas as idades) e móveis e utensílios (aos 5 anos), já os meninos demonstraram maior domínio no campo semântico meios de transporte (6 anos). Com relação à classificação, não houve diferença entre as faixas etárias no desempenho geral, apenas o campo semântico formas e cores teve mais indivíduos de 6 anos com desempenho inadequado. Conclusão os valores de referência adotados na população brasileira para classificação do desempenho indicaram que mais de 80% das crianças de cada faixa etária poderiam ser classificadas com desempenho adequado, o que sugere que tal prova possua potencial como instrumento de avaliação quantitativa do vocabulário em Português Europeu nesta faixa etária.

ABSTRACT Objective to investigate the performance of European Portuguese children in a Brazilian test of expressive vocabulary, seeking to identify differences between age groups and gender, and to verify its applicability in this population. Methods the sample consisted of 150 typical developed children, of both genders, between the ages of 5 and 6. All children attended public schools in the north area of Portugal. To assess the semantic performance, the expressive vocabulary sub-test of the language test (ABFW) was used, considering the percentage of usual verbal assignments and the classification (adequate/inadequate) according to the Brazilian reference values. Results the performance of the European Portuguese children indicated that at age 6 they have a higher percentage of correct answers in expressive vocabulary. As for the gender, there were only occasional differences: the girls showed a greater dominance in the semantic fields of clothing (both ages) and furniture and utensils (at age 5), whereas the boys showed more dominance in the semantic field means of transportation (6 years). Regarding classification, there was no difference between age groups in overall performance. Only the semantic field shapes and colors had more individuals of 6 years with inadequate performance. Conclusion the reference values adopted in the Brazilian population for semantic performance indicated that more than 80% of the children of each age group could have their performance classified as adequate. Such evidence suggests that this tool shows potential as an instrument of quantitative vocabulary's assessment of 5 and 6-years old children in European Portuguese.

Language assessment of children with severe liver disease in a public service in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this research was to compare language development (expressive and receptive skills) in children awaiting liver transplantation with that of children who have already undergone the surgical procedure. METHODS:: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 76 children divided into groups, as follows: 31 children who were candidates for liver transplantation (Group 1; G1), 45 children who had already undergone liver transplantation (Group 2; G2), and a control group (CG) of 60 healthy, normally developing children. Health status information was gathered, and the Test of Early Language Development (TELD)-3 was used to assess language skills. Family household monthly income data were also gathered using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS:: G1 had poorer language performance compared with G2 and the CG. G2 had lower language performance when compared with the CG. However, when considering the TELD-3 standard scores, G2 had scores within normal limits. The regression analysis indicated age as a risk factor for language deficits in Group 1 and family income as a risk factor for language deficits in G2. CONCLUSIONS:: The results suggested that children with chronic liver disease have delays in language development. Transplanted children have linguistic performance within normal limits, but their scores tended to be lower than the CG.

Language assessment of children with severe liver disease in a public service in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to compare language development (expressive and receptive skills) in children awaiting liver transplantation with that of children who have already undergone the surgical procedure. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 76 children divided into groups, as follows: 31 children who were candidates for liver transplantation (Group 1; G1), 45 children who had already undergone liver transplantation (Group 2; G2), and a control group (CG) of 60 healthy, normally developing children. Health status information was gathered, and the Test of Early Language Development (TELD)-3 was used to assess language skills. Family household monthly income data were also gathered using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: G1 had poorer language performance compared with G2 and the CG. G2 had lower language performance when compared with the CG. However, when considering the TELD-3 standard scores, G2 had scores within normal limits. The regression analysis indicated age as a risk factor for language deficits in Group 1 and family income as a risk factor for language deficits in G2. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that children with chronic liver disease have delays in language development. Transplanted children have linguistic performance within normal limits, but their scores tended to be lower than the CG.

Alliteration and rhyme skills in children with specific language impairment. / Habilidades de aliteração e rima em crianças com distúrbio específico de linguagem.

PURPOSE: this study investigated and compared the performance of school-aged children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their peers typically developing language in alliteration and rhyme tests. The study also aimed to evaluate the influence of semantic and phonological distractors on both tests. METHODS: twelve school-aged children with SLI (study group - SG) and 48 peers typically developing language (control group - CG) aged 7 to 9 years. All of them were on 2nd or 3rd grade and presented hearing thresholds within normal limits and appropriate nonverbal intellectual performance. The experimental assessment consisted in alliteration and rhyme tests with semantic and/or phonological distractors. RESULTS: intragroup analysis showed that both groups presented lower performance in rhyme than alliteration activities (CG p<.001; SG p=.011). Intergroup analyses revealed that the SG had a poorer performance in both tasks in comparison to the CG (alliteration p=.001; rhyme p=.009). The error analysis pointed out that in alliteration, the SG opted more frequently for semantic (p=.004) and other distractors (p<.001) than the CG, whereas in rhyme tests, they opted more frequently for phonological (p=.048) and other distractors (p=.031). CONCLUSION: the SG presented difficulty in alliteration and rhyme tasks, indicating poorer performance than their peers without language impairment. School-aged children with SLI attested that they analyze phonological awareness stimuli in a more general way, leading them to overlook relevant segmental aspects. These data reinforce the need for early intervention of these abilities in this population.

Habilidades de aliteração e rima em crianças com distúrbio específico de linguagem / Alliteration and rhyme skills in children with specific language impairment

RESUMO Objetivo investigar e comparar o desempenho de escolares com distúrbio específico de linguagem (DEL) e em desenvolvimento típico de linguagem em atividades de identificação de aliteração e rima e verificar, em ambas as tarefas, a influência dos distratores semânticos e fonológicos. Método participaram do estudo 12 escolares previamente diagnosticados com DEL (GP) e 48 escolares em desenvolvimento típico (GC) com idade entre 7 anos e 9 anos e 11 meses. Todos cursavam o 2º ou 3º ano do ensino fundamental I e apresentavam audição e inteligência não verbal preservadas. Como medidas experimentais, foram utilizados testes padronizados de identificação de aliteração e rima, com presença de distratores semânticos e/ou fonológicos. Resultados a análise intragrupo demonstrou que ambos os grupos apresentaram desempenho inferior em rima do que em aliteração (GC p<0,001; GP p=0,011). A análise intergrupos indicou que o desempenho do GP foi inferior ao do GC em ambas as tarefas (aliteração p=0,001; rima p=0,009). A análise dos erros indicou que na aliteração, em comparação ao GC, os escolares do GP utilizaram mais distratores semânticos (p=0,004) e outros (p<0,001), enquanto na rima utilizaram mais distratores fonológicos (p=0,048) e outros (p=0,031). Conclusão o GP apresentou dificuldade em tarefas de aliteração e rima, demonstrando estar aquém dos seus pares sem alteração de linguagem. Estes escolares demonstraram analisar os estímulos apresentados nas tarefas de consciência fonológica de forma mais global, o que os fez desprezar aspectos segmentais importantes. Estes dados reforçam a necessidade da inclusão precoce destas habilidades no processo terapêutico da população com DEL.

ABSTRACT Purpose this study investigated and compared the performance of school-aged children with specific language impairment (SLI) and their peers typically developing language in alliteration and rhyme tests. The study also aimed to evaluate the influence of semantic and phonological distractors on both tests. Methods twelve school-aged children with SLI (study group - SG) and 48 peers typically developing language (control group - CG) aged 7 to 9 years. All of them were on 2nd or 3rd grade and presented hearing thresholds within normal limits and appropriate nonverbal intellectual performance. The experimental assessment consisted in alliteration and rhyme tests with semantic and/or phonological distractors. Results intragroup analysis showed that both groups presented lower performance in rhyme than alliteration activities (CG p<.001; SG p=.011). Intergroup analyses revealed that the SG had a poorer performance in both tasks in comparison to the CG (alliteration p=.001; rhyme p=.009). The error analysis pointed out that in alliteration, the SG opted more frequently for semantic (p=.004) and other distractors (p<.001) than the CG, whereas in rhyme tests, they opted more frequently for phonological (p=.048) and other distractors (p=.031). Conclusion the SG presented difficulty in alliteration and rhyme tasks, indicating poorer performance than their peers without language impairment. School-aged children with SLI attested that they analyze phonological awareness stimuli in a more general way, leading them to overlook relevant segmental aspects. These data reinforce the need for early intervention of these abilities in this population.

Impact of specific language impairment and type of school on different language subsystems. / Impacto do distúrbio específico de linguagem e do tipo de escola nos diferentes subsistemas da linguagem.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore quantitative and qualitative effects of type of school and specific language impairment (SLI) on different language abilities. METHODS: 204 Brazilian children aged from 4 to 6 years old participated in the study. Children were selected to form three groups: 1) 63 typically developing children studying in private schools (TDPri); 2) 102 typically developing children studying in state schools (TDSta); and 39 children with SLI studying in state schools (SLISta). All individuals were assessed regarding expressive vocabulary, number morphology and morphosyntactic comprehension. RESULTS: All language subsystems were vulnerable to both environmental (type of school) and biological (SLI) effects. The relationship between the three language measures was exactly the same to all groups: vocabulary growth correlated with age and with the development of morphological abilities and morphosyntactic comprehension. Children with SLI showed atypical errors in the comprehension test at the age of 4, but presented a pattern of errors that gradually resembled typical development. CONCLUSION: The effect of type of school was marked by quantitative differences, while the effect of SLI was characterised by both quantitative and qualitative differences.

Nouns and verbs used by preschoolers with language impairment. / Uso de substantivos e verbos por pré-escolares com alteração específica de linguagem.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional use of verbs and nouns by Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children with language impairment (LI) and to verify whether their use of these word classes is different from that of children with typical language development (TLD). This study also aimed to compare the use of each verb type between groups. METHODS: Participants were 80 preschool children, 20 of them diagnosed with LI and 60 with TLD. The age ranges of participants were 3 to 6 years for children with LI and 2 to 4 years for children with TLD. Individuals were paired based on their expressive language age. Ludic interaction was used to elicit the speech sample from which nouns and verbs were selected from spontaneous speech. All nouns and verbs were tabulated and verbs were classified. RESULTS: Preschoolers with LI use verbs more often than nouns in their production of spontaneous speech. The use of nouns presented no difference between the groups, but verb use frequency was higher in children with LI for the 3-year-old subgroup. The verbs most frequently used by children with LI were copula, intransitive, and transitive direct. Comparison between the groups revealed few differences regarding the use of transitive direct, bitransitive, and copular verbs. Only transitive circumstantial verbs were more often used by children with TLD at all ages. CONCLUSION: The use of nouns and verbs by children with LI complies with the typical development standard, but it occurs more slowly. The use of verbs with fewer complements is predominant in these children.

Impacto do distúrbio específico de linguagem e do tipo de escola nos diferentes subsistemas da linguagem / Impact of specific language impairment and type of school on different language subsystems

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo teve o objetivo de explorar os efeitos do tipo de escola e do distúrbio específico de linguagem (DEL) sobre diferentes habilidades de linguagem, tanto do ponto de vista quantitativo quanto qualitativo. Método 204 crianças brasileiras de 4 a 6 anos participaram da pesquisa. As crianças foram recrutadas para formar três grupos: 1) 63 crianças em desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, estudantes de escola particular (DTPar); 2) 102 crianças em desenvolvimento típico de linguagem, estudantes de escola pública (DTPub); e 39 crianças com diagnóstico de DEL, estudantes de escola pública (DELPub). Todas as crianças foram avaliadas em provas de vocabulário expressivo, morfologia de número e compreensão morfossintática. Resultados Todos os subsistemas da linguagem foram susceptíveis tanto a questões ambientais (efeito tipo de escola) quanto orgânicas (efeito DEL). As relações entre as medidas de linguagem foram exatamente as mesmas para todos os grupos, indicando que o aumento do vocabulário ocorreu em função da idade, e se mostrou associado ao desenvolvimento das habilidades morfológicas e de compreensão morfossintática. As crianças com DEL apresentaram erros atípicos na prova de compreensão aos 4 anos, mas passaram a apresentar um padrão de erros semelhante ao do desenvolvimento típico com o aumento da idade. Conclusão O efeito tipo de escola foi marcado por diferenças quantitativas, enquanto o efeito DEL foi marcado por diferenças predominantemente quantitativas, mas também qualitativas.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to explore quantitative and qualitative effects of type of school and specific language impairment (SLI) on different language abilities. Methods 204 Brazilian children aged from 4 to 6 years old participated in the study. Children were selected to form three groups: 1) 63 typically developing children studying in private schools (TDPri); 2) 102 typically developing children studying in state schools (TDSta); and 39 children with SLI studying in state schools (SLISta). All individuals were assessed regarding expressive vocabulary, number morphology and morphosyntactic comprehension. Results All language subsystems were vulnerable to both environmental (type of school) and biological (SLI) effects. The relationship between the three language measures was exactly the same to all groups: vocabulary growth correlated with age and with the development of morphological abilities and morphosyntactic comprehension. Children with SLI showed atypical errors in the comprehension test at the age of 4, but presented a pattern of errors that gradually resembled typical development. Conclusion The effect of type of school was marked by quantitative differences, while the effect of SLI was characterised by both quantitative and qualitative differences.