Last modified: 2018-09-09
Abstract
Introduction: Language development follows a typical pattern, its monitoring is critical for early identification of disorders.India is a multiculturaldiverse country,itsimperative to heed to multilingualism while testing for language and learning disorders. The present studyfor the first timeexplores the role of linguistic profiling using LPT, DALI and other standardized tests in assessment of learning and language disorders.
Method:15suspected cases oflearning disorder with language comorbidities and 5 controls aged 8-13 years were enrolled in a case-control study, at a DBP Clinic in a hospital at Mumbai, India. Their performances were compared across Group I - 5suspected learning disorders cases;GroupII- 5 cases withsuspected learning disorders and ELP;GroupIII- 5cases of suspected learning and language disorders and GroupIV- 5 age,SES, L1matched neurotypical controls.
Results and Discussion:Results revealed variant profiles, with Group I performing better in the phonological awareness and semantic domains. Subtle language deviationswere observed in group II, in absence of language disorder and performances were better in L1.All groups performed better in L2 as compared to L1, in semantic fluency domains, due to familiarity of common words in English. Delineating profiles in L1 and L2 across groups highlighted impact of language on literacy and phonological skills.
Conclusion:This study reiterates importance of language assessment in multilingual learning disordered children as poor language proficiency, language disorders mimic learning disorders in our country. DALI is an effective tool in profiling performances across native and instructional languages, aiding in diagnosis