The problem of specificity in Specific Language Impairment (S.L.I.)

Abstract

In this work the notion of “specificity” is analysed in Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and the validity of this construct is questioned not only for research purposes, but also for the provision of clinical and educational services.Following the work of Leonard (1987, 1991) an approach based on individual differences is proposed. This approach suggests that it is not necessary to invoke the notion of impairment or disruption in a developmental process to explain the existence of children with limited abilities as regards language.The issues raised by the identification of SLI children is also reviewed. Much more precise reference criteria and identification instruments are necessary to eliminate heterogeneity in the characteristics attributed to SLI children. The possibility of conceiving two typologies is suggested, following Lahey (1990): One of these would include children who present clear evidence of impaired linguistic abilities and the other children whose mean linguistic level is simply below ...