The Causes of Specific Language Impairment

- When a child has a specific language impairment (SLI), parents worry about what may have caused it – did they do something wrong? Professor Dorothy Bishop explains that research proves that SLI is not caused by environmental factors, but by genetics. Unfortunately a test is unlikely to be developed as there are too many variants, and it’s difficult to predict the combination that may cause SLI.

This easy-to-digest video was created for a lay audience, but links to a longer slideshow for more advanced information.

In an excellent blog post, Bishop discusses the challenges she faces as a scientist presenting information to the public, striking a balance between being short and engaging on the one hand, and on the other hand providing enough data to back up her views. This presentation demonstrates a successful formula.

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ScienceSeeker Editor’s Selections: Olympics, Animal Empathy, SLI, Dyscalculia – Scientific American (blog) | Info Jugaad (August 10, 2012)

    Last reviewed: 31 Jul 2012