Résumé
Word naming difficulties is a clinical sign almost systematically objectified in the context of a Developmental Language Disorder. The current literature describes three major etiologies. First, word loss in children could be due to a disorder of access to phonological representations, i.e., to word forms. Secondly, it could be due to a difficulty in accessing semantic representations, i.e. concepts and knowledge related to words. Finally, some authors have observed that a disturbance in certain executive functions, linked to a disturbance in access to semantic representations, could be another cause. Whatever its etiology, the lexical access disorder constitutes a real handicap in everyday life. Objective: we hypothesized that the application of the Semantic Feature Analysis protocol would have a positive impact on the lexical access disorder observed in children with Developmental Language Disorder. Method: we developped a protocol based on Semantic Feature Analysis adapted to children from 9 to 11 years old, treated in a specialized structure. In order to control a possible effect of the therapy, we divided the participants into two groups: a group that would not receive the therapy, and a group that would receive it for six weeks at a rate of twice a week. We assessed the participants using standardized batteries and established baselines for each participant receiving therapy. Results: our analysis did not show a significant impact of Semantic Feature Analysis on the participants. However, our descriptive analyses show a positive evolution of the participants who received the therapy. Our hypothesis is therefore partially validated, but we remain cautious and encourage further research to collect results on a larger sample and with modifications to the methodology used.