ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the merging of two lines of research to develop a novel remediation strategy for children with language learning problems resulting from a variety of causes. One line of research has been the study of the etiology of speech and language impairments. The second line of research has been physiological mapping of the cerebral cortex at the cellular level, and experiential factors responsible for remapping sensory maps throughout the lifespan. Bishop points out here that not only is it an important aim of research on developmental language disabilities to have this research lead to better assessment and remediation services for affected children but, conversely, remediation research may be one of the strongest means of testing competing research hypotheses. After comprehensively reviewing the extensive research literature pertaining to the aetiology of specific developmental language impairments (SLI) in children, Leonard finds that: The conclusion that children with SLI have difficulty processing brief or rapidly presented stimuli seems indisputable.
