Language: Speech development and disorder

The research of the Language and Development Group focuses on the neural basis of speech and language.  We scan children and adults with developmental disorders of speech and language, such as specific language impairment and developmental stuttering.  The neural correlates of developmental disorders such as these are likely to reflect abnormalities in neuronal size, number or migration and disordered connectivity.  Such differences are detectable by analysis of brain imaging data using sophisticated automated techniques developed by the analysis group at FMRIB.  Using these techniques, we have revealed abnormal brain function related to abnormal brain structure in developmental stuttering, for example.

In addition, we use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to interfere with normal speech and language functions in the adult brain.  Specifically, we are exploring the role of the motor system in perception of speech, interactions between the auditory and motor systems and the dissociation of brain regions involved in phonology (sound) and semantics (meaning) processes.

People with persistent developmental stuttering have altered brain structure and function. FMRI shows decreased functional responses (blue) and DTI shows reduced white matter integrity (red) in the left inferior frontal gyrus. The green lines show the white matter skeleton used for analysis.