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Thesis
Predictors of individual differences in language in youth with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
May 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D88W98
Abstract
Background: Language is a major impairment in both Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and thus, has a profound impact on everyday abilities. Research has explored the neurocognitive associates of language and has identified executive function (EF) and social abilities as domains associated with language. However, research has yet to identify these relations using parent report or examine them within the context of broader structural and pragmatic language abilities, two overarching domains of language. The current study utilizes informant report measures to examine the relations between these two domains of language and executive and social functioning. As findings in the literature on sex differences in language are mixed, the current study also sought to examine whether language varied as a function of sex. Method: Participants included 68 individuals with Down syndrome (Mage = 12.9) and 108 youth with autism spectrum disorder (Mage = 7.6). Participants completed parent reports of language, using the Children's Communication Checklist-II, EF, using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, and social abilities, measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale or the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System. Results: Social abilities predicted structural language, and both EF and social abilities predicted pragmatic language in Down syndrome. In autism spectrum disorder, social and executive functioning predicted both structural and pragmatic language. Finally, sex differences were found in Down syndrome (males<females), but not autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion: Findings from the current study highlight the interrelatedness of language with social and executive functioning and draw attention to a particular vulnerability in language for boys with Down syndrome. Results have implications for informing the development of interventions targeted to improve these cognitive abilities.
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Details
- Title
- Predictors of individual differences in language in youth with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder
- Creators
- Manisha D. Udhnani - DU
- Contributors
- Nancy Raitano Lee (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 63 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8094; 991014632236604721