Explaining the Comprehension-Production Vocabulary Gap Through Neural Networks and Cross-Syndrome Evidence: Insights From Williams Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: The comprehension-production vocabulary gap is a well-documented hallmark of language development; however, anecdotal evidence suggests that this asymmetry may be reduced in children with Williams syndrome (WS). Here, we use empirical data to characterise the comprehension-production gap and computational modelling to investigate potential mechanisms underlying this distinctive linguistic profile, focusing on children aged 7 months to 6 years. Using parental reports (Communicative Development Inventories), we measured the receptive and expressive vocabularies of children with WS (n = 67) and compared them to typically developing children (n = 1210) and cross-syndrome groups with Down syndrome (n = 27), and fragile X syndrome (n = 15). Results confirm that children with WS show a unique tra

SUBMITTER: D'Souza D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781623 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature