Improving communication skills in toddlers with severe impairments using telehealth

Early Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Intervention Delivered via Hybrid Telehealth

NIH-funded research Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10813184

This study is looking at how using special communication tools through a mix of in-person and online sessions can help toddlers with serious speech challenges express themselves better, especially for families who might not have easy access to speech therapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10813184 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing communication skills in toddlers with severe communication impairments through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventions delivered via hybrid telehealth. By utilizing a combination of in-person and remote therapy sessions, the study aims to increase access to specialized speech-language pathologists for families in underserved areas. The research will gather insights from caregivers and therapists to tailor the intervention to their needs and assess its effectiveness in improving children's expressive communication skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 0-11 years with severe communication impairments and their families.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have communication impairments or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve communication abilities and overall quality of life for toddlers with severe communication impairments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that telehealth models can effectively deliver speech therapy services, indicating potential success for this novel AAC intervention approach.

Where this research is happening

Portland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Communication DisordersCommunicative Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.