Note to users. If you're seeing this message, it means that your browser cannot find this page's style/presentation instructions -- or possibly that you are using a browser that does not support current Web standards. Find out more about why this message is appearing, and what you can do to make your experience of our site the best it can be.

Science 5 January 1996:
Vol. 271. no. 5245, pp. 81 - 84
DOI: 10.1126/science.271.5245.81
Prev | Table of Contents | Next

Reports

Language Comprehension in Language-Learning Impaired Children Improved with Acoustically Modified Speech

Paula Tallal (1),  Steve L. Miller,  Gail Bedi,  Gary Byma,  Xiaoqin Wang,  Srikantan S. Nagarajan,  Christoph Schreiner,  William M. Jenkins,  Michael M. Merzenich

A speech processing algorithm was developed to create more salient versions of the rapidly changing elements in the acoustic waveform of speech that have been shown to be deficiently processed by language-learning impaired (LLI) children. LLI children received extensive daily training, over a 4-week period, with listening exercises in which all speech was translated into this synthetic form. They also received daily training with computer ``games'' designed to adaptively drive improvements in temporal processing thresholds. Significant improvements in speech discrimination and language comprehension abilities were demonstrated in two independent groups of LLI children.


P. Tallal, S. L. Miller, G. Bedi, G. Byma, Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
X. Wang, S. S. Nagarajan, C. Schreiner, W. M. Jenkins, M. M. Merzenich, W. M. Keck Center for Integrative Neurosciences and Coleman Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0732, USA.
(1) To whom correspondence should be addressed.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Detection of spatial cues in linear and logarithmic frequency-modulated sweeps.
I-H. Hsieh and K. Saberi (2009)
Atten Percept Psychophys 71, 1876-1889
   Abstract »    PDF »
The Effects of Fast ForWord Language on the Phonemic Awareness and Reading Skills of School-Age Children With Language Impairments and Poor Reading Skills.
D. F. Loeb, R. B. Gillam, L. Hoffman, J. Brandel, and J. Marquis (2009)
Am J Speech Lang Pathol 18, 376-387
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Evaluating dedicated and intrinsic models of temporal encoding by varying context.
R. M.C. Spencer, U. Karmarkar, and R. B. Ivry (2009)
Phil Trans R Soc B 364, 1853-1863
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Abnormal Cortical Processing of the Syllable Rate of Speech in Poor Readers.
D. A. Abrams, T. Nicol, S. Zecker, and N. Kraus (2009)
J. Neurosci. 29, 7686-7693
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Comorbidity of Auditory Processing, Language, and Reading Disorders.
M. Sharma, S. C. Purdy, and A. S. Kelly (2009)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 52, 706-722
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
When "Simon Says" Doesn't Work: Alternatives to Imitation for Facilitating Early Speech Development.
L. S. DeThorne, C. J. Johnson, L. Walder, and J. Mahurin-Smith (2009)
Am J Speech Lang Pathol 18, 133-145
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Statistical Learning in Children With Specific Language Impairment.
J. L. Evans, J. R. Saffran, and K. Robe-Torres (2009)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 52, 321-335
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Backward and Simultaneous Masking in Children With Grammatical Specific Language Impairment: No Simple Link Between Auditory and Language Abilities.
S. Rosen, A. Adlard, and H. K. J. van der Lely (2009)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 52, 396-411
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Randomized Field Trial of the Fast ForWord Language Computer-Based Training Program.
G. D. Borman, J. G. Benson, and L. Overman (2009)
Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis 31, 82-106
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Use of auditory learning to manage listening problems in children.
D. R Moore, L. F Halliday, and S. Amitay (2009)
Phil Trans R Soc B 364, 409-420
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Incidental receptive language growth associated with expressive grammar intervention in SLI.
S. Camarata, K. E. Nelson, H. Gillum, and M. Camarata (2009)
First Language 29, 51-63
   Abstract »    PDF »
Stimulus, Task, and Learning Effects on Measures of Temporal Resolution: Implications for Predictors of Language Outcome.
N. A. Smith, L. J. Trainor, K. Gray, J. A. Plantinga, and D. I. Shore (2008)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 51, 1630-1642
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Comparison of Word-, Sentence-, and Phoneme-Based Training Strategies in Improving the Perception of Spectrally Distorted Speech.
P. C. Stacey and A. Q. Summerfield (2008)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 51, 526-538
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Enduring effects of early structured noise exposure on temporal modulation in the primary auditory cortex.
X. Zhou and M. M. Merzenich (2008)
PNAS 105, 4423-4428
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Phonetic learning as a pathway to language: new data and native language magnet theory expanded (NLM-e).
P. K Kuhl, B. T Conboy, S. Coffey-Corina, D. Padden, M. Rivera-Gaxiola, and T. Nelson (2008)
Phil Trans R Soc B 363, 979-1000
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Neural specializations for speech and pitch: moving beyond the dichotomies.
R. J Zatorre and J. T Gandour (2008)
Phil Trans R Soc B 363, 1087-1104
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sustained Selective Attention Skills of Preschool Children With Specific Language Impairment: Evidence for Separate Attentional Capacities.
T. J. Spaulding, E. Plante, and R. Vance (2008)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 51, 16-34
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
The Efficacy of Fast ForWord Language Intervention in School-Age Children With Language Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
R. B. Gillam, D. F. Loeb, L. M. Hoffman, T. Bohman, C. A. Champlin, L. Thibodeau, J. Widen, J. Brandel, and S. Friel-Patti (2008)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 51, 97-119
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Language Intervention Practices for School-Age Children With Spoken Language Disorders: A Systematic Review.
F. M. Cirrin and R. B. Gillam (2008)
Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 39, S110-S137
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory-Visual Integration for Speech by Children With and Without Specific Language Impairment.
L. W. Norrix, E. Plante, R. Vance, and C. A. Boliek (2007)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 50, 1639-1651
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Intensive training in adults refines A1 representations degraded in an early postnatal critical period.
X. Zhou and M. M. Merzenich (2007)
PNAS 104, 15935-15940
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Outcome of Severe Receptive Language Disorder.
J. G. Millichap (2007)
AAP Grand Rounds 18, 40-41
   Full Text »    PDF »
Perceptual Learning and Auditory Training in Cochlear Implant Recipients.
Q.-J. Fu and J. J. Galvin III (2007)
Trends in Amplification 11, 193-205
   Abstract »    PDF »
Speed of Processing, Working Memory, and Language Impairment in Children.
L. B. Leonard, S. Ellis Weismer, C. A. Miller, D. J. Francis, J. B. Tomblin, and R. V. Kail (2007)
J Speech Lang Hear Res 50, 408-428
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Group Intervention Changes Brain Activity in Bilingual Language-Impaired Children.
E. Pihko, A. Mickos, T. Kujala, A. Pihlgren, M. Westman, P. Alku, R. Byring, and M. Korkman (2007)
Cereb Cortex 17, 849-858
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Single-Neuron Responses to Rapidly Presented Temporal Sequences in the Primary Auditory Cortex of the Awake Macaque Monkey.
M. L. Phan and G. H. Recanzone (2007)
J Neurophysiol 97, 1726-1737
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Memory enhancement in healthy older adults using a brain plasticity-based training program: A randomized, controlled study.
H. W. Mahncke, B. B. Connor, J. Appelman, O. N. Ahsanuddin, J. L. Hardy, R. A. Wood, N. M. Joyce, T. Boniske, S. M. Atkins, and M. M. Merzenich (2006)
PNAS 103, 12523-12528
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Environmental Enrichment Increases Paired-Pulse Depression in Rat Auditory Cortex.
C. R. Percaccio, N. D. Engineer, A. L. Pruette, P. K. Pandya, R. Moucha, D. L. Rathbun, and M. P. Kilgard (2005)
J Neurophysiol 94, 3590-3600
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory Neuropathy/Dys-synchrony and Its Perceptual Consequences.
G. Rance and D. Aud (2005)
Trends in Amplification 9, 1-43
   Abstract »    PDF »
Migrant Students with Limited English Proficiency: Can Fast ForWord LanguageTM Make a Di ference in Their Language Skills and Academic Achievement?.
G. A. Troia (2004)
Remedial and Special Education 25, 353-366
   Abstract »    PDF »
Topical Review: Neurobiology of Specific Language Impairment.
R. I. Webster and M. I. Shevell (2004)
J Child Neurol 19, 471-481
   Abstract »    PDF »
Reorganization of Human Cerebral Cortex: The Range of Changes Following Use and Injury.
T. Elbert and B. Rockstroh (2004)
Neuroscientist 10, 129-141
   Abstract »    PDF »
Are We Yet Able to Hear the Signal Through the Noise? A Comprehensive Review of Central Auditory Processing Disorders: Issues of Research and Practice.
S. Levy and C. M. Parkin (2003)
Canadian Journal of School Psychology 18, 153-182
   Abstract »    PDF »
Neural Mechanisms of Language-Based Learning Impairments: Insights from Human Populations and Animal Models.
R. H. Fitch and P. Tallal (2003)
Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2, 155-178
   Abstract »    PDF »
Foreign-language experience in infancy: Effects of short-term exposure and social interaction on phonetic learning.
P. K. Kuhl, F.-M. Tsao, and H.-M. Liu (2003)
PNAS 100, 9096-9101
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Neural deficits in children with dyslexia ameliorated by behavioral remediation: Evidence from functional MRI.
E. Temple, G. K. Deutsch, R. A. Poldrack, S. L. Miller, P. Tallal, M. M. Merzenich, and J. D. E. Gabrieli (2003)
PNAS 100, 2860-2865
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sensory, Cognitive, and Linguistic Factors in the Early Academic Performance of Elementary School Children: The Benton-IU Project.
C. S. Watson, G. R. Kidd, D. G. Horner, P. J. Connell, A. Lowther, D. A. Eddins, G. Krueger, D. A. Goss, B. B. Rainey, M. D. Gospel, et al. (2003)
J Learn Disabil 36, 165-197
   Abstract »    PDF »
Auditory Perceptual Learning.
D. R. Moore, S. Amitay, and D. J.C. Hawkey (2003)
Learn. Mem. 10, 83-85
   Full Text »    PDF »
Temporal Specificity of Perceptual Learning in an Auditory Discrimination Task.
U. R. Karmarkar and D. V. Buonomano (2003)
Learn. Mem. 10, 141-147
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory processing and the development of language and literacy.
P. J Bailey and M. J Snowling (2002)
Br. Med. Bull. 63, 135-146
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory development and the role of experience.
D. R Moore (2002)
Br. Med. Bull. 63, 171-181
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Plastic Changes in the Central Auditory System After Hearing Loss, Restoration of Function, and During Learning.
J. Syka (2002)
Physiol Rev 82, 601-636
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Representation of Spectral and Temporal Envelope of Twitter Vocalizations in Common Marmoset Primary Auditory Cortex.
S. S. Nagarajan, S. W. Cheung, P. Bedenbaugh, R. E. Beitel, C. E. Schreiner, and M. M. Merzenich (2002)
J Neurophysiol 87, 1723-1737
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Disruption of primary auditory cortex by synchronous auditory inputs during a critical period.
L. I. Zhang, S. Bao, and M. M. Merzenich (2002)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Newborn and Preschool Predictors of Second-Grade Reading Scores: An Evaluation of Categorical and Continuous Scores.
V. J. Molfese, D. L. Molfese, and A. A. Modgline (2001)
J Learn Disabil 34, 545-554
   Abstract »    PDF »
Aetiology and clinical presentations of auditory processing disorders---a review.
D-E Bamiou, F E Musiek, and L M Luxon (2001)
Arch. Dis. Child. 85, 361-365
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Training auditory discrimination: a single case study.
S. Crosbie and B. Dodd (2001)
Child Language Teaching and Therapy 17, 173-194
   Abstract »    PDF »
Plastic neural changes and reading improvement caused by audiovisual training in reading-impaired children.
T. Kujala, K. Karma, R. Ceponiene, S. Belitz, P. Turkkila, M. Tervaniemi, and R. Naatanen (2001)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Response to Denenberg.
M. Studdert-Kennedy, M. Mody, and S. Brady (2001)
J Learn Disabil 34, 302-303
   PDF »
Relationship Patterns Between Central Auditory Processing Disorders and Language Disorders, Learning Disabilities, and Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
R. J. Kruger, J. J. Kruger, R. Hugo, and N. G. Campbell (2001)
Communication Disorders Quarterly 22, 87-98
   Abstract »    PDF »
The neurological basis of developmental dyslexia: An overview and working hypothesis.
M. Habib (2000)
Brain 123, 2373-2399
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Disruption of the neural response to rapid acoustic stimuli in dyslexia: Evidence from functional MRI.
E. Temple, R. A. Poldrack, A. Protopapas, S. Nagarajan, T. Salz, P. Tallal, M. M. Merzenich, and J. D. E. Gabrieli (2000)
PNAS
   Abstract »    Full Text »
A new view of language acquisition.
P. K. Kuhl (2000)
PNAS 97, 11850-11857
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory Temporal Processing: Responses to Sinusoidally Amplitude-Modulated Tones in the Inferior Colliculus.
B. S. Krishna and M. N. Semple (2000)
J Neurophysiol 84, 255-273
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Naming-Speed Processes, Timing, and Reading: A Conceptual Review.
M. Wolf, P. G. Bowers, and K. Biddle (2000)
J Learn Disabil 33, 387-407
   Abstract »    PDF »
Auditory processing parallels reading abilities in adults.
M. Ahissar, A. Protopapas, M. Reid, and M. M. Merzenich (2000)
PNAS 97, 6832-6837
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Preschool Children Who Have Atypical Patterns of Development.
M. D. Simms and R. L. Schum (2000)
Pediatr. Rev. 21, 147-158
   Full Text »
The science of literacy: From the laboratory to the classroom.
P. Tallal (2000)
PNAS 97, 2402-2404
   Full Text »    PDF »
Temporal Encoding of the Voice Onset Time Phonetic Parameter by Field Potentials Recorded Directly From Human Auditory Cortex.
M. Steinschneider, I. O. Volkov, M. D. Noh, P. C. Garell, and M. A. Howard III (1999)
J Neurophysiol 82, 2346-2357
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
A Critique of Mody, Studdert-Kennedy, and Brady's "Speech Perception Deficits in Poor Readers: Auditory Processing or Phonological Coding?".
V. H. Denenberg (1999)
J Learn Disabil 32, 379-383
   Abstract »    PDF »
Specialization of Left Auditory Cortex for Speech Perception in Man Depends on Temporal Coding.
C. Liegeois-Chauvel, J. B. de Graaf, V. Laguitton, and P. Chauvel (1999)
Cereb Cortex 9, 484-496
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory stream segregation in dyslexic adults.
P. Helenius, K. Uutela, and R. Hari (1999)
Brain 122, 907-913
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Auditory Integration Training: A Double-Blind Study of Behavioral and Electrophysiological Effects in People with Autism.
S. M. Edelson, D. Arin, M. Bauman, S. E. Lukas, J. H. Rudy, M. Sholar, and B. Rimland (1999)
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities 14, 73-81
   Abstract »    PDF »
Computer applications.
(1998)
Child Language Teaching and Therapy 14, 279-298
   PDF »
Temporal and Spectral Sensitivity of Complex Auditory Neurons in the Nucleus HVc of Male Zebra Finches.
F. E. Theunissen and A. J. Doupe (1998)
J. Neurosci. 18, 3786-3802
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Sensitive Periods for Visual Calibration of the Auditory Space Map in the Barn Owl Optic Tectum.
M. S. Brainard and E. I. Knudsen (1998)
J. Neurosci. 18, 3929-3942
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Adult Cortical Dynamics.
C. D. GILBERT (1998)
Physiol Rev 78, 467-485
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Context-sensitive synaptic plasticity and temporal-to-spatial transformations in hippocampal slices.
D. V. Buonomano, P. W. Hickmott, and M. M. Merzenich (1997)
PNAS 94, 10403-10408
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Cortical Plasticity Underlying Perceptual, Motor, and Cognitive Skill Development: Implications for Neurorehabilitation.
M. Merzenich, B. Wright, W. Jenkins, C. Xerri, N. Byl, S. Miller, and P. Tallal (1996)
Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol 61, 1-8
   Abstract »    PDF »
Plastic neural changes and reading improvement caused by audiovisual training in reading-impaired children.
T. Kujala, K. Karma, R. Ceponiene, S. Belitz, P. Turkkila, M. Tervaniemi, and R. Naatanen (2001)
PNAS 98, 10509-10514
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Disruption of the neural response to rapid acoustic stimuli in dyslexia: Evidence from functional MRI.
E. Temple, R. A. Poldrack, A. Protopapas, S. Nagarajan, T. Salz, P. Tallal, M. M. Merzenich, and J. D. E. Gabrieli (2000)
PNAS 97, 13907-13912
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Disruption of primary auditory cortex by synchronous auditory inputs during a critical period.
L. I. Zhang, S. Bao, and M. M. Merzenich (2002)
PNAS 99, 2309-2314
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »


To Advertise     Find Products

Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)