Genes and language problems

Researchers from the universities of Kansas and Nebraska have found a gene associated with specific language impairment (SLI). The gene KIAA0319, which is found on chromosome 9 was associated with variations in language ability among children with SLI and their family members. The gene influenced the children's abilities in speech, vocabulary and grammar. 322 children took part in the study, none of whom had hearing problems, mental handicap or autism.

You can find out more about this research at

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827123319.htm

Dysgraphia adds to problems for school children

Dyslexia occurs when children have problems reading but a lot of children have problems with their written work as well and new research suggests that dysgraphia could be just as common as dyslexia. Dysgraphia includes problems with handwriting, spelling and organizing thoughts on paper and is diagnosed when a child's writing skills fall 'substantially below' the norm for their age and IQ. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota studied more than 5,700 children and found that between 7 and 15% developed a written-language disorder over their school career. Boys were 2-3 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with a writing problem. While the majority of children diagnosed with a writing problem also had reading difficulties about a quarter had significant difficulty only with writing.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE53T61020090430?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews