Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Performance in Young Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated whether a discrepancy is found between the performances on receptive and expressive vocabulary of young children with 22q11.2DS, with the aim to contribute to the discussion in the literature about the relation between receptive and expressive language in children with 22q11.2DS. Methods: 16 children with 22q11.2DS, ten girls and six boys, between the ages of 3;5 and 6;5 years participated in this study. Receptive vocabulary was measured using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and expressive vocabulary was measured using the Active Vocabulary Test (AVT). Results: No significant discrepancy was found between receptive and expressive vocabulary. Performances on both types of vocabulary were delayed compared to the norm group. The results indicate that young children with 22q11.2DS have delayed receptive and expressive vocabularies. Conclusions: Early language treatment with the focus on both expressive and receptive vocabulary is necessary to reduce vocabulary delay and prevent problems with later educational outcomes such as verbal intelligence, reading skills and math skills.