Language Development in Sex Chromosome Trisomies: Developmental Profiles at 2 and 4 Years of Age, and Predictive Measures

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Describing language development in children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCT) and testing the predictive value of early language measures on later outcomes.

Method

Thirteen children with SCT were followed longitudinally. Their developmental profile was assessed, with particular attention to language, at 2 and 4 years. The predictive value of direct (spontaneous speech analysis) and indirect (communicative development inventory) language measures at 2 on performances at 4 was tested.

Results

Language performances at both ages were lower than non-verbal development. At 2, more than 50% of the group produced less than 50 words. At 4, impaired performances were observed in speech sound development and expressive morpho-syntax. Direct measures of Pre-syntactic development predicted later global language outcomes and Sentence Repetition. The number of consonants used at 2 was significantly related to Nonword Repetition at 4.

Conclusions

The study highlights the importance of early detection and careful follow-up for children with SCT.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex chromosome trisomies
• language development
• longitudinal study
• predictive measures

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the children who participated in the study and their families.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.