Relationship of specific language impairment with perinatal risk factors and neurological soft signs

Dora E. Granados-Ramos, Facultad de Psicología-Xalapa, Laboratorio de Psicobiología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
Sandy Martínez-Figueiras, Facultad de Psicología-Xalapa, Laboratorio de Psicobiología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
Laura Carrasco-Hernández, Facultad de Psicología-Xalapa, Laboratorio de Psicobiología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
Brenda S. Antonio-Quiroz, Facultad de Psicología-Xalapa, Laboratorio de Psicobiología, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the relationship of Specific Language Impairment (SLI) with Perinatal Risk Factors (PRFs) and Neurological Soft Signs (NSS) by sex in pre-school children. Methods: A non-experimental, transversal, comparative design with 216 girls and boys. Sociodemographic data and PRFs were documented with a Clinical History. The Screening for Language Problems was applied, and NSS were evaluated with the subtest of the Neuropsychological Battery for Pre-schoolers. Results: In 70%, the socioeconomic level was low; 51% were classified without SLI; and 27 % with moderate articulation difficulties. The parents indicated that 40% had pronunciation difficulties and 71% had comprehension difficulties. A moderate significant correlation was observed with SLI and NSS: walk, asteroagnosis, and articulation difficulties. Conclusions: Screening evaluations were relevant tools to identify neurodevelopmental difficulties in pre-schoolers since they allow rapid and early attention to communication disorders, such as SLI in relation to PRFs and the presence of NSS. Furthermore, linguistic stimulation programs with extensive coverage should be undertaken in low-income communities, which were frecuent among in 70% of participants.

Keywords: Specific language impairment. Risk factors. Neurological soft signs. Pre-schoolers.