Secondary consequences of specific language disorder – bihevioral problems in early childhood

Abstract

Children with specific language disorder exhibit a wide range of linguistic and nonlinguistic difficulties. Behavioral problems are often frequent companions of specific language impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of autistic features, behavioral problems and behavioral functions in children with specific language impairment. The sample included 31 respondents, aged between 4 and 6 years. For identifying the presence of autistic features in behavior the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Mental Retardation Scale (PDD-MRS, & career of de Bildt, 2005) was used, and for collecting data about motivation for outbursts in behavior the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS, Durrand & Crimmins, 1988) was used. The obtained results show that in ¾ of respondents with specific language impairments there are extreme autistic features in behavior. Behavioral problems occur in over 87% of the sample, and are usually motivated by material and sensory motives. It is also obtained that a greater presence of autistic features indicates more frequent behavioral problems with sensory function.