Language Development in Williams Syndrome A Case Study

Abstract

The present study focuses on the first stages of linguistic development of an Italian girl with Williams Syndrome WS followed longitudinally through weekly observations from age 2 6 to age 4 10 and systematically tested every two months In all three areas of language considered vocabulary morphology and syntax some similarities but also some interesting differences with respect to normal development were noted In particular the WS child did not seem to master certain aspects of Italian morphology and syntax and her production varied widely depending on context Our data confirm a delayed and partially atypical profile of language development in WS subjects