Number processing skill trajectories in children with specific language impairment

Abstract

A number of contrasting hypotheses have been put forward concerning mathematical performance defi cits in children with specific language impairment (SLI). However, debate as to the nature of this deficit continues. The present study analyzed whether the trajectories of SLIchildren may be attributed to the use of symbolic vs. linguistic assessment tasks, or to a defi cit in the magnitude system. Method: SLI-children (N=20) and typically achieving children (N=20) were monitored between kindergarten and fi rst grade. Four tasks were designed, each with varying demands on language, symbolic, and domain-specifi c skills. Results: The groups only differed in the trajectories of those numerical tasks involving high language demand. Conclusions: These fi ndings indicate that SLI children present an early defi cit in the development of numerical skills that require retrieval from long term memory and articulation of a phonological representation. Number skills involving greater language demand should be included as part of SLI early detection and intervention protocols.