Teaching language organization to a child with pervasive developmental disorder: a case study

Abstract

This investigation determined the effects of a treatment programme, The Expression Connection (1991), on the language organization of a firstgrade male child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). The methodology consisted of teaching the child story grammar components and the associated syntax requisite of their use. Treatment was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks. Results revealed a significant improvement in the complexity of the child's oral stories. Results with relation to the role of language organization in production of oral narratives and the efficacy of this programme with children with PDD were discussed in comparison to children with specific language impairment.

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