Language

Minocycline Promising in Fragile X Syndrome

Source: 
Medscape Today
Date Published: 
September 7, 2010
Abstract: 

Parents of children with fragile X syndrome report that minocycline led to positive improvements in language, attention levels and behavior. They also report experiencing adverse side effects such as mild gastrointestinal issues and some increased irritability.

Language as a Window into Sociability

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
August 13, 2010
Abstract: 

People with Williams syndrome-known for their indiscriminate friendliness and ease with strangers-process spoken language differently from people with autism spectrum disorders-characterized by social withdrawal and isolation-found researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

New Technology Reveals a Unique Vocal Signature in Autism

Source: 
Medical News Today
Date Published: 
July 20, 2010
Abstract: 

Study reports new automated vocal analysis technology could fundamentally change the study of language development as well as the screening for autism spectrum disorders and language delay.

New Analysis Reveals Clearer Picture of Brain's Language Areas

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
May 23, 2010
Abstract: 

Language is a defining aspect of what makes us human. Although some brain regions are known to be associated with language, neuroscientists have had a surprisingly difficult time using brain imaging technology to understand exactly what these 'language areas' are doing. In a new study published in the Journal of Neurophysiology, MIT neuroscientists report on a new method to analyze brain imaging data -- one that may paint a clearer picture of how our brain produces and understands language.

Language Dysfunction in Children May Be Due to Epilectic Brain Activity

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
April 23, 2010
Abstract: 

Epileptic activity in the brain can affect language development in children, and EEG registrations should therefore be carried out more frequently on children with severe language impairment to identify more readily those who may need medical treatment, reveals a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg.

Intensive Treatment Found To Be Highly Effective

Source: 
Newswise
Date Published: 
April 6, 2010
Abstract: 

Results of a randomized clinical trial found an innovative multi-component summer social development program to be effective in improving the social performance of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Brain Becomes Tuned to Voices and Emotional Tone of Voice During Pregnancy

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
March 24, 2010
Abstract: 

New research finds that the brains of infants as young as 7 months old demonstrate a sensitivity to the human voice and to emotions communicated through the voice that is remarkably similar to what is observed in the brains of adults.

Reading Remediation Seems to Rewire the Brain

Source: 
US News & World Report
Date Published: 
February 26, 2010
Abstract: 

Scientists studying the anatomy of children's brains during reading discovered something rather unexpected: Remedial training for poor readers results in a growth of white matter tracts in the brain, and the increase correlates with the level of improvement in sounding out words.

Music Training Enhances Brainstem Activity to Speech Sounds

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
February 22, 2010
Abstract: 

At a Feb. 20 press briefing held during the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting, a Northwestern University neuroscientist argued that music training has profound effects that shape the sensory system and should be a mainstay of K-12 education. Kraus presented her own research and the research of other neuroscientists suggesting music education can be an effective strategy in helping typically developing children as well as children with developmental dyslexia or autism more accurately encode speech.

Early Intervention for Toddlers With Autism Highly Effective, Study Finds

Source: 
Science Daily
Date Published: 
November 30, 2009
Abstract: 

A novel early intervention program for very young children with autism -- some as young as 18 months -- is effective for improving IQ, language ability and social interaction, a comprehensive new study has found.