International Review of Research in Mental Retardation: Language and Communication in Mental Retardation

Language and communication problems have long figured prominently in the definition of mental retardation. Volume 27 of the International Review of Research in Mental Retardation focuses exclusively on these language and communication issues. The pace of research on language learning and use in mental retardation has increased in recent years and taken new direction. This revitalization has been fueled by three factors: 1) advances in genetic technologies allowing investigation of the behavioral phenotypes of well-defined syndromes, 2) an increased emphasis on maximizing abilities of individuals with mental retardation to live and succeed in a broader range of contexts and settings, and 3) theoretical debates concerning the mechanisms of language development and the nature of the human mind.

Contents in Language and Communication in Mental Retardation include syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome, Williams syndrome), domains of language skill (e.g., reading), and intervention strategies.

Contains the most current research on genetic syndromes, including Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and fragile X syndromeOutlines the most current research on language and communication intervention for persons with mental retardationAuthors consider the implications of the research reviewed for both theory and clinical practiceAuthors bring state-of-the-art knowledge of cognitive science, developmental science, linguistic, and behavioral genetics to bear on important questions about language and mental retardationIncludes new research on long-studied conditions (e.g., Down syndrome) and disorders that are of only recent interest to child language researchers (e.g., fetal alcohol syndrome)Includes a consideration of nonverbal, as well as verbal, communication

R.S. Chapman, Language and Communication in Individuals with Down Syndrome.
C. Mervis, M.L. Rowe, A.M. Becerra, and B.P. Klein-Tasman, Language Abilities of Individuals with Williams Syndrome.
L. Abbeduto and M.M. Pavetto, Language and Communication in Fragile X Syndrome: Within-Syndrome Commonalities and Differences.
T.E. Coggins, L.B. Olswang, H.C. Olson, and G.R. Timler, On Becoming Socially Competent Communicators: The Challenge for Children with Fetal Alcohol Exposure.
E.C. Merrill, R. Lookadoo, and S. Rilea, Memory, Language Comprehension, and Mental Retardation.
F.A. Conners, Reading Skills and Cognitive Abilities of Individuals with Mental Retardation.
N. Brady, Language Interventions for Children with Mental Retardation.