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Aiello EN, Pucci V, Diana L, Corvaglia A, Niang A, Mattiello S, Preti AN, Durante G, Ravelli A, Consonni L, Guerra C, Ponti AD, Sangalli G, Difonzo T, Scarano S, Perucca L, Zago S, Appollonio I, Mondini S, Bolognini N. The Telephone Language Screener (TLS): standardization of a novel telephone-based screening test for language impairment. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1989-2001. [PMID: 38010584 PMCID: PMC11021315 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07149-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed at developing and standardizing the Telephone Language Screener (TLS), a novel, disease-nonspecific, telephone-based screening test for language disorders. METHODS The TLS was developed in strict pursuance to the current psycholinguistic standards. It comprises nine tasks assessing phonological, lexical-semantic and morpho-syntactic components, as well as an extra Backward Digit Span task. The TLS was administered to 480 healthy participants (HPs), along with the Telephone-based Semantic Verbal Fluency (t-SVF) test and a Telephone-based Composite Language Index (TBCLI), as well as to 37 cerebrovascular/neurodegenerative patients-who also underwent the language subscale of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-L). An HP subsample was also administered an in-person language battery. Construct validity, factorial structure, internal consistency, test-retest and inter-rater reliability were tested. Norms were derived via Equivalent Scores. The capability of the TLS to discriminate patients from HPs and to identify, among the patient cohort, those with a defective TICS-L, was also examined. RESULTS The TLS was underpinned by a mono-component structure and converged with the t-SVF (p < .001), the TBCLI (p < .001) and the in-person language battery (p = .002). It was internally consistent (McDonald's ω = 0.67) and reliable between raters (ICC = 0.99) and at retest (ICC = 0.83). Age and education, but not sex, were predictors of TLS scores. The TLS optimally discriminated patients from HPs (AUC = 0.80) and successfully identified patients with an impaired TICS-L (AUC = 0.92). In patients, the TLS converged with TICS-L scores (p = 0.016). DISCUSSION The TLS is a valid, reliable, normed and clinically feasible telephone-based screener for language impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
| | - Veronica Pucci
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre (HIT), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Diana
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Corvaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aida Niang
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Alice Naomi Preti
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giorgia Durante
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Adele Ravelli
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Lucia Consonni
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Carolina Guerra
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
| | - Adriana Delli Ponti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Sangalli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Difonzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Scarano
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Perucca
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Zago
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Section, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Sara Mondini
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata (FISPPA), University of Padova, SociologiaPadua, Italy
- Human Inspired Technology Research Centre (HIT), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Nadia Bolognini
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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McCloskey M. Properties of graphic motor plans in the writing system. Cogn Neuropsychol 2023; 39:276-295. [PMID: 36803202 DOI: 10.1080/02643294.2023.2178293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study explores the extent to which properties of abstract graphemic representations are maintained at the post-graphemic level of graphic motor plans, where the sequences of writing strokes for producing the letters in a word are represented. On the basis of results from a stroke patient (NGN) who has a deficit affecting the activation of graphic motor plans, we explore the post-graphemic representation of 1) consonant/vowel status of letters; 2) geminate (double) letters, such as the BB in RABBIT; and 3) digraphs, such as the SH in SHIP. Through analyses of NGN's letter substitution errors, we conclude that 1) consonant-vowel status is not represented at the level of graphic motor plans; 2) geminates have special representations at the motor-plan level, as at the graphemic level; and 3) digraphs are represented by two separate single-letter graphic motor plans, and not by unitary digraph motor plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McCloskey
- Cognitive Science Department, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Friedmann N, Yachini M, Gvion A, Nickels L. Non-word writing does not require the phonological output buffer: Neuropsychological evidence for a direct phonological-orthographic route. J Neuropsychol 2019; 14:301-317. [PMID: 31390151 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
What is the route that is used for writing non-words to dictation? Does it have to pass through phonological output? Two possibilities are found in the literature. In one, writing non-words requires access from the phonological input buffer to the phonological output buffer and from there, via phoneme-to-grapheme conversion, to the orthographic output buffer. The second approach maintains that writing non-words can proceed directly from the phonological input buffer to the orthographic output buffer. In this study, we discriminate between these two options using a cognitive neuropsychological approach. Specifically, we present a multiple case study of 24 individuals with a developmental impairment to the phonological output buffer, who nevertheless show unimpaired non-word writing. These data lead to the conclusion that the phonological output buffer is not necessary when writing non-words and that writing non-words to dictation can proceed directly from the phonological input buffer to the orthographic output buffer. We suggest that the cognitive assumption that non-word writing proceeds through the phonological output buffer may have resulted from graphic conventions and the depiction of the lexical processing model: in the common depiction of the model drawing a line through the phonological output buffer is visually simpler than a direct line (which would require lines to cross or long bypass lines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Friedmann
- Language and Brain Lab, School of Education and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maya Yachini
- Language and Brain Lab, School of Education and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aviah Gvion
- Language and Brain Lab, School of Education and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Israel.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Reuth Medical and Rehabilitation Hospital, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, Ono Academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel
| | - Lyndsey Nickels
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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McCloskey M, Reilhac C, Schubert T. A deficit in post-graphemic writing processes: Evidence for a graphomotor buffer. Cogn Neuropsychol 2018; 35:430-457. [PMID: 30452874 DOI: 10.1080/02643294.2018.1546683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Post-graphemic writing processes transform abstract letter representations into representations of writing movements. We describe an individual with an acquired post-graphemic writing deficit. NGN is normal in spelling words aloud, but impaired in writing words to dictation, with most errors involving letter substitutions (e.g., RUMOR written as BUMOR). NGN's deficit affects graphic motor plans, which specify the writing strokes for producing letters. Analyses of writing speed, fluency, and stroke patterns suggest that NGN's errors result from incomplete motor-plan activation. NGN's error rate is high for the first letter in a word, and declines across subsequent positions. On the basis of this serial position effect and other results, we propose that post-graphemic writing mechanisms include a graphomotor buffer, a writing-specific working memory that holds activated graphic motor plans bound to specific serial positions. We suggest that NGN's graphomotor buffer is damaged such that early serial positions are affected most severely. Finally, we present results speaking to the roles and capabilities of the graphomotor buffer, and the structure of graphic motor plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McCloskey
- a Cognitive Science Department, Krieger Hall , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , USA
| | - Caroline Reilhac
- a Cognitive Science Department, Krieger Hall , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , USA
| | - Teresa Schubert
- b Psychology Department , Harvard University , Cambridge , USA
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Schubert T, Reilhac C, McCloskey M. Knowledge about writing influences reading: Dynamic visual information about letter production facilitates letter identification. Cortex 2018; 103:302-315. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2018.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Abstract
Developmental deficits in the acquisition of writing skills (developmental dysgraphias) are common and have significant consequences, yet these deficits have received relatively little attention from researchers. We offer a framework for studying developmental dysgraphias (including both spelling and handwriting deficits), arguing that research should be grounded in theories describing normal cognitive writing mechanisms and the acquisition of these mechanisms. We survey the current state of knowledge concerning developmental dysgraphia, discussing potential proximal and distal causes. One conclusion emerging from this discussion is that developmental writing deficits are diverse in their manifestations and causes. We suggest an agenda for research on developmental dysgraphia, and suggest that pursuing this agenda may contribute not only to a better understanding of developmental writing impairment, but also to a better understanding of normal writing mechanisms and their acquisition. Finally, we provide a brief introduction to the subsequent articles in this special issue on developmental dysgraphia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McCloskey
- a Cognitive Science Department , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Brenda Rapp
- a Cognitive Science Department , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Mueller ST, Weidemann CT. Alphabetic letter identification: effects of perceivability, similarity, and bias. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2012; 139:19-37. [PMID: 22036587 PMCID: PMC3271710 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The legibility of the letters in the Latin alphabet has been measured numerous times since the beginning of experimental psychology. To identify the theoretical mechanisms attributed to letter identification, we report a comprehensive review of literature, spanning more than a century. This review revealed that identification accuracy has frequently been attributed to a subset of three common sources: perceivability, bias, and similarity. However, simultaneous estimates of these values have rarely (if ever) been performed. We present the results of two new experiments which allow for the simultaneous estimation of these factors, and examine how the shape of a visual mask impacts each of them, as inferred through a new statistical model. Results showed that the shape and identity of the mask impacted the inferred perceivability, bias, and similarity space of a letter set, but that there were aspects of similarity that were robust to the choice of mask. The results illustrate how the psychological concepts of perceivability, bias, and similarity can be estimated simultaneously, and how each make powerful contributions to visual letter identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane T. Mueller
- Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 USA
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Di Pietro M, Schnider A, Ptak R. Peripheral dysgraphia characterized by the co-occurrence of case substitutions in uppercase and letter substitutions in lowercase writing. Cortex 2011; 47:1038-51. [PMID: 21106191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gvion A, Friedmann N. Dyscravia: voicing substitution dysgraphia. Neuropsychologia 2010; 48:1935-47. [PMID: 20298704 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2010.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We report a new type of dysgraphia, which we term dyscravia. The main error type in dyscravia is substitution of the target letter with a letter that differs only with respect to the voicing feature, such as writing "coat" for "goat", and "vagd" for "fact". Two Hebrew-speaking individuals with acquired dyscravia are reported, TG, a man aged 31, and BG, a woman aged 66. Both had surface dysgraphia in addition to their dyscravia. To describe dyscravia in detail, and to explore the rate and types of errors made in spelling, we administered tests of writing to dictation, written naming, and oral spelling. In writing to dictation, TG made voicing errors on 38% of the words, and BG made 17% voicing errors. Voicing errors also occurred in nonword writing (43% for TG, 56% for BG). The writing performance and the variables that influenced the participants' spelling, as well as the results of the auditory discrimination and repetition tasks indicated that their dyscravia did not result from a deficit in auditory processing, the graphemic buffer, the phonological output lexicon, the phonological output buffer, or the allographic stage. The locus of the deficit is the phoneme-to-grapheme conversion, in a function specialized in the conversion of phonemes' voicing feature into graphemes. Because these participants had surface dysgraphia and were forced to write via the sublexical route, the deficit in voicing was evident in their writing of both words and nonwords. We further examined whether the participants also evinced parallel errors in reading. TG had a selective voicing deficit in writing, and did not show any voicing errors in reading, whereas BG had voicing errors also in the reading of nonwords (i.e., she had dyslegzia in addition to dyscravia). The dissociation TG demonstrated indicated that the voicing feature conversion is separate for reading and writing, and can be impaired selectively in writing. BG's dyslegzia indicates that the grapheme-to-phoneme conversion also includes a function that is sensitive to phonological features such as voicing. Thus the main conclusion of this study is that a separate function of voicing feature conversion exists in the phoneme-to-grapheme conversion route, which may be selectively impaired without deficits in other functions of the conversion route, and without a parallel deficit in reading.
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Ecalle J, Biot-Chevrier C, Magnan A. Alphabet knowledge and early literacy skills in French beginning readers. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/17405620600901714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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James KH, Gauthier I. Letter processing automatically recruits a sensory–motor brain network. Neuropsychologia 2006; 44:2937-49. [PMID: 16920164 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2006.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 06/15/2006] [Accepted: 06/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral, neuropsychological and neuroimaging research suggest a distributed network that is recruited when we interact with letters. For the first time, we combine several letter processing tasks in a single experiment to study why letters seem to engage such disparate processing areas. Using fMRI, we investigate how the brain responds to letters using tasks that should recruit systems for letter perception, letter writing, letter copying and letter imagery. We describe a network of five cortical regions including the left fusiform gyrus, two left pre-central areas, left cuneus and the left inferior frontal gyrus that are all selectively engaged during a 1-back matching paradigm with letters. Our results suggest involvement of these regions to different extents in different tasks. However, the regions also form an integrated network such that letter perception also engages motor regions while writing recruits letter-specific visual regions as well. We suggest that this distributed network is a direct result of our sensory-motor interactions with letters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin H James
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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