Consideration of alternative accounts of gender-linked speech patterns in individuals with mental retardation

Several preliminary reports have reported the existence of gender influences on the communication patterns of individuals with mental retardation. This study considers two alternative hypotheses to the conclusion that the reported effects were attributable to gender. Two studies extend a previous analysis by further exploration of the original transcripts (Study I) and addition of participants (Study 2). In Study 1, the possibility influences from adult partners is analyzed. In Study 2, the association of syntactic development and gender-linked effects is examined. Both alternatives are rejected on the basis of these extended analyses. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.