Research and policy

Research: Exploring the link between language and behaviour

26 Feb 2002

Approximately three quarters of children with identified emotional and behavioural difficulties have significant language deficits.
Approximately half of those with language disorders have identifiable emotional and behavioural difficulties.
The prevalence of language deficits in children who exhibit anti-social behaviours is ten times higher than in the general population.
Rates vary according to the placement of the children, the stringency of the criteria for language disorder and the number of language measures used.
Pure language deficits, especially those associated with comprehension difficulties, are at greatest risk.
Thus EBD children with unsuspected receptive disorders were rated the most delinquent, the most depressed (by parents) and aggressive (by teachers) and had more severe challenging behaviour.
Children with expressive language disorders were rated as more socially withdrawn and anxious.
The strength of the association between language difficulties and antisocial behaviour increases with age.
Difficulties in initiating and maintaining interpersonal relationships is a key mediating variable between language disorders and antisocial behaviours.
"Language disorders appear to have a devastating effect on interpersonal relationships (ie peer, family, companion) throughout the lifespan." (Benner, 2002)