ABSTRACT

This longitudinal, population-based study investigated associations between language problems (LP) and emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD). Parents and teachers gave information about LP and EBD when the children were 7–9 (T1) and 11–13 years old (T2). Self-reports of EBD were included at T2. In line with findings from clinically referred samples, children with LP scored higher than controls on all measures of EBD at both time-points. A subgroup with persistent LP showed more severe EBD than a subgroup with transient LP. Hyperactivity and peer problems at T1 were significantly associated with the risk of persistent LP. Boys in the persistent subgroup had more severe behaviour problems as reported by all informants, whereas self-reports revealed more severe emotional problems in girls with LP. The profound and consistent reports across informants of EBD in children with LP emphasise the importance of providing both mental health and language support in childhood as well as in adolescence. Addressing symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and social problems may be of especial importance to improve LP outcome. The complexity of problems encountered underlines the need for a combined expertise and multidisciplinary approach to language impairment in youth.

摘要

这项基于人群的纵向研究调查了语言问题 (LP) 与情绪和行为困难 (EBD) 之间的关联。父母和老师在孩子 7-9 岁（T1）和 11-13 岁（T2）时提供了有关 LP 和 EBD 的信息。EBD 的自我报告包含在 T2 中。与临床转诊样本的结果一致，患有 LP 的儿童在两个时间点的所有 EBD 测量中得分均高于对照组。具有持续性 LP 的亚组比具有短暂性 LP 的亚组表现出更严重的 EBD。T1 的多动和同伴问题与持续性 LP 的风险显着相关。正如所有受访者所报告的，持续亚组中的男孩有更严重的行为问题，而自我报告显示患有 LP 的女孩有更严重的情绪问题。患有 LP 的儿童的 EBD 信息提供者的深刻而一致的报告强调了在儿童期和青春期提供心理健康和语言支持的重要性。解决与注意力缺陷多动障碍和社会问题相关的症状对于改善 LP 结果可能特别重要。遇到的问题的复杂性强调需要综合专业知识和多学科方法来解决青年语言障碍。