What is it about?

Studies of language difficulties in populations with rare genetic disorders are limited, thus effective intervention is often lacking. We investigated linguistic and cognitive characteristics in children with low prevalence genetic disorders, medical, family and psychoeducational information was collected and standardized tests were applied in order to provide linguistic data and relate them to other mechanisms of executive functioning, all this information allows us to approach to understand the phenotype (linguistic and cognitive characteristics) and genotype (genetic disorder).

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Why is it important?

In studies of low-prevalence genetic alterations, case reports showing the possibly expected linguistic and cognitive characteristics are essential and thus determine a reference profile. Our work illustrates different types of atypical development that affect both language and other cognitive mechanisms and underlines the importance of executive skills and the different ways in which they intervene at various levels of language that may be affected to a greater or lesser degree in rare genetic disorders. We found that language dysfunction is a prominent feature of the rare genetic disorders included in our study, although this is not necessarily true for all genetic disorders.

Perspectives

Understanding Language in Rare Genetic Disorders: A Step Toward Tailored Interventions Language is at the core of human communication, yet for children with rare genetic disorders, its development can be profoundly impacted in ways that remain understudied. My research stems from a deep commitment to bridging this gap by exploring linguistic and cognitive profiles in these populations. By integrating standardized assessments with medical, psychoeducational, and family information, I aim to shed light on how genetic alterations influence language and executive functioning. One of the most compelling aspects of this work is its potential to shape intervention strategies. Understanding how executive functions interplay with language difficulties allows us to move beyond generic approaches and toward targeted, evidence-based support. Each case provides a valuable piece of the puzzle, contributing to the development of reference profiles that clinicians and educators can use to better support these children. This research is not just about identifying deficits—it’s about recognizing patterns, uncovering strengths, and ultimately improving the quality of life for children with rare genetic conditions. By advancing our understanding of the linguistic phenotype in these populations, we take a step closer to ensuring that no child's communicative potential is overlooked.

Ana Alejandra Espinosa Mojica
Cádiz University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Determining the Linguistic Profile of Children With Rare Genetic Disorders, Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research, December 2023, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00101.
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