Genetic Studies of Specific Language Impairment (SLI)
Specific language impairment (SLI) affects up to 7-10% of individuals in the United States. SLI affects communication, learning, and social abilities, and requires additional attention in school. The causes of SLI are not well understood. Several studies have been performed to mostly small and outbred families with SLI. These studies have had limited success identifying causative genes for this disorder. We initiated genetic investigation in extended families with a high rate of cousin marriages. The long-term goal of this project is to identify genes responsible for SLI using next-generation tools in human genetics.