Linguistic performance of children with Developmental Language Disorder: A longitudinal approach

• Grant number: 25/15835-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Maria Befi-Lopes
• Grantee: Maria Clara Coutinho de Andrade
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Communication is the exchange of information through socially acceptedsymbols and behaviors. While it involves gestures and facial expressions, languageis fundamental, serving as a system of symbols governed by rules. Languagedevelopment encompasses aspects such as semantics, morphology, and syntax,along with pragmatics, which involves interpreting non-verbal messages. Individualand environmental factors influence this development, and the absence ofdevelopmental milestones necessitates detailed evaluations of expressive andreceptive skills. This project focuses on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD),which results in atypical linguistic development. DLD diagnosis is made whenlanguage delays cannot be justified by biomedical aetiology. Risk factors include afamily history of neurodevelopmental disorders, toxic stress and other influences.The TELD-3 is a reliable tool for assessing language development in children,measuring receptive and expressive skills. Its application in Brazil has been frequentin research. The TELD-3 helps characterize the difference between language ageand chronological age, allowing for targeted interventions. Studies show that childrenwith DLD develop linguistic skills more slowly, requiring early interventions. However,there is a lack of longitudinal research on the development of these children in Brazil.The aim of this study is to compare the longitudinal results of linguistic skills inchildren with DLD using the TELD-3 in a specialized laboratory.