Abstract
Typically developing (TD) preschoolers and age-matched preschoolers with specific language impairment (SLI) received event-related potentials (ERPs) to four monosyllabic speech sounds prior to treatment and, in the SLI group, after 6 months of grammatical treatment. Before treatment, the TD group processed speech sounds faster than the SLI group. The SLI group increased the speed of their speech processing after treatment. Posttreatment speed of speech processing predicted later impairment in comprehending phrase elaboration in the SLI group. During the treatment phase, change in speed of speech processing predicted growth rate of grammar in the SLI group.
Acknowledgments
Dennis Molfese is now at the Psychology Department at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
The research was funded by NIDCD R01DC005994 and received support from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development (P30HD15052). Dr. Murray receives support from the Swiss National Science Foundation (Grant# 310030B-133136).