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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Qualquer fator intrínseco ou extrínseco que interfira com o processo natural de aquisição e desenvolvimento das competências de linguagem, pode comprometer o seu percurso e, consequentemente, todas as outras atividades que lhe estão associadas. As perturbações no domínio da linguagem são muito comuns na infância, um período fulcral neste processo, devido à sensibilidade neuronal das redes recrutadas. Estas alterações, frequentemente, decorrem de perturbações neurológicas, como é o caso da epilepsia. Na vasta diversidade de síndromes epiléticas, surge a Epilepsia Benigna de Infância com Pontas Centro-Temporais (EBIPCT), que é a mais comum neste período. Sabe-se que a atividade epilética desta síndrome pode ter impacto nas competências cognitivas das crianças, nomeadamente ao nível da atenção e da memória, e também da linguagem. Dentro deste conjunto de perturbações, considerando a especificidade da localização da EBIPCT (zona peri-rolândica), torna-se necessário aprofundar o conhecimento sobre as possíveis sequelas ao nível da linguagem das crianças com esta neuropatologia. Procurando assim contribuir para o esclarecimento das capacidades de linguagem desta população, esta tese apresenta o trabalho resultante de uma investigação que engloba duas revisões sistemáticas da literatura, acerca das competências de linguagem oral e escrita destas crianças, e ainda dois estudos empíricos relativos à avaliação das suas competências de linguagem oral, quer em idade pré-escolar, quer em idade escolar e à análise das suas capacidades de leitura e escrita, comparativamente com uma amostra de controlo. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as crianças com EBIPCT demonstram competências de linguagem inferiores aos seus pares de idade em diversas áreas da linguagem oral e escrita. Deste modo, deve ser enfatizada a importância da avaliação precoce destas capacidades e a eventual necessidade de intervenção terapêutica, de forma a minimizar o impacto destas alterações no seu desempenho escolar e qualidade de vida.
Any intrinsic or extrinsic factor that interferes with the natural process of language acquisition and development can compromise its course and, consequently, all the other associated activities. Disorders in the language domain are very common in childhood, a crucial period in this process, due to the neural sensitivity of the recruited networks. These changes often result from neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. In the vast diversity of epileptic syndromes that occur during childhood, Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centro-Temporal Spikes (BCECTS) is the most common. It is known that the epileptic activity of this syndrome can have an impact on the cognitive skills of children, namely at the level of attention and memory, as well as language. Considering the specificity of BCECTS localization (peri-rolandic area), it is necessary to deepen the knowledge about the possible sequels at the language level of children with this neuropathology. Therefore, seeking to contribute to the clarification of the language competences of this population, this thesis presents the work that results from an investigation that encompasses two systematic reviews of the literature, about the oral and written language skills of these children, and two empirical studies about the the assessment of their oral language competences, whether at preschool or school age, and the analysis of their reading and writing abilities, compared to a control sample. The results indicate that children with EBIPCT demonstrate lower language skills than their peers in several oral and written language areas. Thus, the relevance of early assessment of these capacities and the possible need for therapeutic intervention should be emphasized, in order to minimize the impact of these changes on their school performance and quality of life.
Any intrinsic or extrinsic factor that interferes with the natural process of language acquisition and development can compromise its course and, consequently, all the other associated activities. Disorders in the language domain are very common in childhood, a crucial period in this process, due to the neural sensitivity of the recruited networks. These changes often result from neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. In the vast diversity of epileptic syndromes that occur during childhood, Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centro-Temporal Spikes (BCECTS) is the most common. It is known that the epileptic activity of this syndrome can have an impact on the cognitive skills of children, namely at the level of attention and memory, as well as language. Considering the specificity of BCECTS localization (peri-rolandic area), it is necessary to deepen the knowledge about the possible sequels at the language level of children with this neuropathology. Therefore, seeking to contribute to the clarification of the language competences of this population, this thesis presents the work that results from an investigation that encompasses two systematic reviews of the literature, about the oral and written language skills of these children, and two empirical studies about the the assessment of their oral language competences, whether at preschool or school age, and the analysis of their reading and writing abilities, compared to a control sample. The results indicate that children with EBIPCT demonstrate lower language skills than their peers in several oral and written language areas. Thus, the relevance of early assessment of these capacities and the possible need for therapeutic intervention should be emphasized, in order to minimize the impact of these changes on their school performance and quality of life.