Purpose: This study tests the hypothesis that toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) will show differences from contrast groups in preferences for attending to speech. Method: This study examined auditory preferences in toddlers with ASD and matched groups of (a) typical age-mates, (b) age-mates with nonautistic developmental disabilities,…

How children acquire language is a riddle for developmental linguists and the subject of debate among them. Some linguists argue that children acquire language through a universal process regardless of their native tongues. Evidence of the innateness of language capacity has also appeared in studies of deaf children. (Author/JN)