Brain-based types of childhood stuttering
Neural subtypes of developmental stuttering
This work seeks different brain-based types of stuttering in children and connects each type to speech patterns and brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311895 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your child stutters, researchers will use MRI brain scans and speech tests to look for groups of children who share similar brain structure differences. They will compare those brain patterns with how children speak and record brain activity while the child talks. The team will use computer clustering to define subtypes based on gray matter patterns and then describe each subtype’s behavior and brain responses during speech. The goal is to link specific brain differences to particular speech profiles so future treatments can be matched to each child’s needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children who currently stutter, roughly ages 0–11, are the ideal candidates for this project.
Not a fit: Adults who stutter and people without stuttering are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating in this pediatric-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more personalized, brain-targeted treatments for children who stutter.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found brain differences in people who stutter, but using clustering to define clear neural subtypes in children is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- University of Delaware — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chow, Ho Ming — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Chow, Ho Ming
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.