Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Weak hand preference in children with down syndrome is associated with language deficits
AU - Groen, M. A.
AU - Yasin, I.
AU - Laws, G.
AU - Barry, J. G.
AU - Bishop, D. V. M.
PY - 2008/4/1
Y1 - 2008/4/1
N2 - Abstract This study explores associations between language ability and hand preference in children with Down syndrome. Compared to typically developing children of the same age, children with Down syndrome showed weaker hand preference, were less consistent in the hand they used and also less willing to reach to extreme positions in contralateral space. Within the group of children with Down syndrome, those who showed a stronger or more consistent hand preference had better language and memory skills. This association could not be explained by differences in non-verbal cognitive ability or hearing loss. These findings are discussed within the theory of neurolinguistic development proposed by Locke [Locke (1997). Brain & Language, 58, 265?326]. ? 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 242?250, 2008.
AB - Abstract This study explores associations between language ability and hand preference in children with Down syndrome. Compared to typically developing children of the same age, children with Down syndrome showed weaker hand preference, were less consistent in the hand they used and also less willing to reach to extreme positions in contralateral space. Within the group of children with Down syndrome, those who showed a stronger or more consistent hand preference had better language and memory skills. This association could not be explained by differences in non-verbal cognitive ability or hearing loss. These findings are discussed within the theory of neurolinguistic development proposed by Locke [Locke (1997). Brain & Language, 58, 265?326]. ? 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 242?250, 2008.
KW - Down syndrome
KW - hand preference
KW - increased randomness hypothesis
KW - language
KW - vocabulary
KW - hemispheric specialisation
U2 - 10.1002/dev.20291
DO - 10.1002/dev.20291
M3 - Journal article
VL - 50
SP - 242
EP - 250
JO - Developmental Psychobiology
JF - Developmental Psychobiology
SN - 0012-1630
IS - 3
ER -