Spatial and facial processing in the signed discourse of two groups of deaf signers with clinical language impairment

The linguistic and cognitive profiles of five deaf adults with a sign language disorder were compared with those of matched deaf controls. The test involved a battery of sign language tests, a signed narrative discourse task and a neuropsychological test protocol administered in sign language. Spatial syntax and facial processing were examined in detail and correlated with language and cognitive findings. The battery clearly differentiated the performance of the clinical participants from that of the normal controls. Further, test performance of the clinical individuals was distinct and showed marked correlations with neurological history, as well as with cognitive profiles. The important role of narrative discourse as a clinically sensitive diagnostic tool is described.