Which of the following characteristics is most commonly noted in children with prelinguistic SLI?

In children with prelinguistic Specific Language Impairment (SLI), one of the hallmark characteristics observed is a limited range of functions expressed through nonverbal communication. This means that these children often struggle to use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey their needs and intentions, which can hinder their ability to engage effectively in communication before they start using language.

Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in early interactions, and children with prelinguistic SLI may not utilize these strategies to the same extent as their peers, leading to frustration and difficulty in social situations. Their limited use of gestures or other communicative signals means they may find it challenging to express wants or needs without the support of verbal language.

On the other hand, the other options describe characteristics that may not be as prevalent or indicative of prelinguistic SLI. For instance, a high rate of intentional communication would suggest a capability to convey messages effectively, which contrasts with the challenges faced by children with prelinguistic SLI. Frequent babbling and vocalizations are typical behaviors in many children, but are not specifically linked to SLI. Lastly, having strong comprehension of labels for objects also does not align with the characteristics of prelingu