Temporal sampling theory applied to language disorders: an analysis from a neuroconstructivist perspective

Introduction. From a neuroconstructivism perspective, subtle atypicalities in low-level processes have a cascading impact on the domains for which these processes are relevant. Atypicalities in a given process contribute to accounting for the phenotype of different developmental disorders. According to current classification criteria, language disorders can occur in different developmental conditions. The temporal sampling theory has been proposed as a framework for such disorders. In this work, this theory is reviewed and analyzed from the aforementioned neuroconstructivism claims. Development. The temporal sampling theory explains how atypicalities in the perception of the rise time acoustic parameter in the slowest temporal window of the auditory signal and, linked to this, potential atypicalities in the entrainment of the signal and the neural oscillations in the auditory cortex involve difficulties for language and music development. These atypicalities are linked to a different experience with the stimuli. In turn, the different experience derives from differences in rise time discrimination thresholds and in the received input that is related to this parameter. Conclusions. The temporal sampling theory offers an explanation that is consistent with the neuroconstructivism perspective. There is evidence of rise time perception difficulties and their relationship with language and music in children with developmental language disorder and/or dyslexia. Future studies should analyze the reach of this theory to explain language disorders in different developmental conditions.