ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of model systems to gain a better understanding of causes of developmental disorders. The two types of model systems: animal and computational models. The author's reviews the main characteristics, assumptions, strengths and limitations of the animal and the computational modelling approaches focussing on their application to the study of language acquisition and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). SLI is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a prevalence of about seven per cent in children. Genetic studies on SLI have identified several genes or regions of the genome that contribute to the impairment. Animal models of developmental disorders are based on technologies for engineered modifications in animal genetic make-up. The discrepancies between findings from different mouse modelling studies reflect methodological differences within the animal-modelling framework. Findings of mouse modelling studies of the FOXP2 suggest evolutionary links between neural circuits underlying motor skill learning or sensorimotor integration and language or cognition.
