Application of Recurrent Activation Models to Mechanistic Explanations of DLD: A Commentary on Riches (2026)

First Language 2026

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Authors: Amanda Owen Van Horne, Zhenghan Qi
DOI: 10.1177/01427237261427762
Cited by: 2
References: 29

Abstract

We respond to Riches’ article in which he puts forth the idea that exemplar-based learning is the underlying deficit in children with Developmental Language Disorder, grounded in Dell and Chang’s P-Chain model. We affirm the potential contributions of exemplar-based learning and explore other potential possibilities for mechanistic explanations of learning differences grounded in this model, including inhibitory control, working memory, extant knowledge, prediction error and feedback. We propose ways that these explanations might guide clinical practice.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Language Development and Disorders Behavioral and Psychological Studies Williams Syndrome Research

Publication details

Journal / source
First Language
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
46
Issue
3
Pages
520–527
Publication date
9 March 2026
Language
EN