Maltreated Children's Language and Speech Development: Abused, Neglected, and Abused and Neglected

• Published in: First language 1991-10, Vol.11 (3), p.377-389
• Main Authors: Culp, Rex E, Watkins, Ruth V, Lawrence, Harriet, Letts, Dana, Kelly, Donna J, Rice, Mabel L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0142-7237

To investigate the language, speech, & cognitive skills of abused, neglected, & abused & neglected children, preschool-age (N = 35 females & 39 males) maltreated children's receptive & expressive language, speech skills, general language, & cognitive abilities were assessed. Analysis indicates that the three groups were language-delayed relative to age equivalence normative expectations, but neglected children were more strongly affected by overall language delays (six-nine months). The groups did not differ in cognitive development. These findings suggest that language development is particularly vulnerable to disruption in social interaction. Verbal negotiations that occur in abusive parent-child conflicts & misunderstandings may allow for linguistic growth in ways that are unavailable in neglecting environments. These findings illustrate the need for parent-child social language exchange for proper language development as discussed from a Vygotskyan perspective. 2 Tables, 42 References. Adapted from the source document