What is a clinical marker indicative of SLI in a child?

A clinical marker indicative of Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is characterized by a notable difficulty in the use of verb tense morphology. Children with SLI often demonstrate challenges in applying grammatical rules, particularly concerning verb forms, which may result in them using incorrect tenses or omitting them altogether. This difficulty in mastering verb morphology is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes SLI from other language development disorders, making it a significant marker for clinicians when assessing a child’s language skills.

In contrast, high vocabulary production, increased nonverbal communication, and improved narrative skills are not typically associated with SLI. Children with SLI may struggle with overall language skills, including vocabulary, and may not exhibit heightened nonverbal communication abilities. Additionally, improved narrative skills generally indicate better language processing capabilities than what is often seen in children with SLI. Thus, the struggle with verb tense morphology stands out as a key clinical marker of this disorder.