Language Functioning of Youth at Entry to Residential Treatment

• NCJ Number: 238270
• Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2011 Pages: 269-282
• Author(s): Alexandra L. Trout Ph.D.; Jacqueline Huscroft-D'Angelo M.S.; Catherine Desalvo M.S.; Robert Gehringer Ed.D.
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): H325D040020
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Education, Special Education Programs
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article addresses the need to examine the specific language skill of youth in residential settings.

Abstract

Although much is known about the behavioral and educational characteristics of youth at entry to residential care, little is known about youth language performance. Given the impact of language deficits on outcomes, this study assessed the specific language skills of 70 adolescents at entry to a residential treatment setting. Results revealed elevated levels of risk across Core Language and comprehensive language indexes. Areas of greatest concern were with receptive language skills with just over 75 percent of the sample indicating some level of impairment. Implications for treatment and practice, study limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed. (Published Abstract)