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Article
Right hemisphere contribution to developmental language disorder: Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence
Journal of Communication Disorders (2001)
  • Elena Plante, University of Arizona
  • Carol Boliek, University of Arizona
  • Nidhi Mahendra, University of Arizona
  • Jill Story, University of Kansas
  • Kristen Glaspey, University of Arizona
Abstract
Developmental language disorder (DLD) is identified by virtue of the verbal deficits that define it. However, numerous studies have also documented nonverbal deficits in this population. This study attempts to explain the co-occurrence of both verbal and nonverbal deficits in this population from a brain-based perspective. Two samples of adults selected for DLD were compared with subjects without such a history on verbal and nonverbal skills in exploratory and confirmatory studies. Subjects also received MRI scans, which were used to determine the relation between left- and right-hemisphere regions hypothesized to relate to the behavioral skills tested. Results revealed replicable differences between groups on both verbal and nonverbal tasks. In addition, a significant association between performance on tests sensitive to facial affect and spatial rotation with the gray matter volume within the right supramarginal gyrus was found in both samples. These results support the hypothesis of a right hemisphere contribution to the profile of DLD. Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe evidence in support of a role for the right hemisphere in DLD.
Keywords
  • Language disorder,
  • Specific language impairment,
  • Learning disability,
  • MRI,
  • Brain
Publication Date
2001
DOI
10.1016/S0021-9924(01)00059-4
Publisher Statement
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Citation Information
Elena Plante, Carol Boliek, Nidhi Mahendra, Jill Story, et al.. "Right hemisphere contribution to developmental language disorder: Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence" Journal of Communication Disorders Vol. 34 Iss. 5 (2001) p. 415 - 436 ISSN: 0021-9924
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nidhi-mahendra/37/