Article

The aim of this study was to assess whether any memory impairment
co-occurring with language impairment is global, affecting both verbal and visual
domains, or domain specific. METHOD: Visual and verbal memory, learning, and
processing speed were assessed in children aged 6 years to 16 years 11 months
(mean 9 y 9 m, SD 2 y 6 mo) with current, resolved, and no language impairment
using the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML), a standardized
memory and learning test for children, and the Children's Test of Non-Word
Repetition (CNRep), a test of phonological short-term memory. Fifty-one children
(38 males, 13 females) with current speech and language impairment from 49
families were compared with 13 siblings (11 males, 2 females) with a past history
of language impairment and 26 (15 males, 11 females) who had never had language
impairment. RESULTS: Children with current language impairment showed impairment
in all verbal memory measures compared with children who had never had language
impairment, and these impairments were still evident in children with a past
history of learning impairment. Visual memory and learning were not impaired
compared with children who had never had language impairment. The severity of
verbal memory impairment correlated with the degree of language impairment.
INTERPRETATION: We concluded that in language impairment there is domain
specificity of memory impairment affecting verbal processing.

Langue : ANGLAIS