Behavioral Problems in Children withSpecific Language Impairment

Abstract

Specific language impairment (SLI) occurs when children present language maturation at least 12 months behind their chronological age in absence of sensory or intellectual deficits, pervasive developmental disorders, evident cerebral damage and adequate social and emotional conditions. Language development in preschool years is associated with development of motor skills and behavior problems. A range of psychosocial and emotional disorders has been associated with language impairment. Behavior problems are often subdivided into internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Internalizing problems as anxiety, depression and withdrawal, and externalizing problems as aggression and inattention. Co-occurring difficulties with language delay have been found both for internalizing and externalizing problems. The current study aimed at investigating the presence of behavioral problems among SLI children and their frequencies if present; detection and accurate diagnosis of