Language and conversational abilities in Williams syndrome: How good is good?

Grammatical performance of individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) has been reported as being unimpaired, despite their comparatively low IQ and poor general cognitive ability. Specific language impairment (SLI) is often seen as the converse of WS, showing poor linguistic ability relative to level o f cognitive functioning. Detailed profiles of language functioning ia four children with WS and four with SLI are presented which show a much less cle ar-cut picture than is often portrayed and suggest that children with WS ma y be less linguistically able than is commonly reported. A comparison of re sults on standardised tests with performance in real conversations shows th at not only the children with SLI but also those with WS have significant l inguistic difficulties. This has clear implications for their management by speech and language therapists.