Improving Communication Understanding for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Expanding the Observer-Reported Communication Ability (ORCA) Measure: Measuring the communication ability of individuals with rare, neurodevelopmental disorders
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11143806
This project is developing a new way for families to describe how children with neurodevelopmental disorders communicate, especially those who are nonverbal or have limited speech.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many children with neurodevelopmental disorders face significant communication challenges, which families often highlight as a top concern. Existing tools for measuring communication in these children have limitations, particularly in distinguishing abilities among those with very low communication skills or who are nonverbal. Our team has created the Observer-Reported Communication Ability (ORCA) tool to capture various forms of communication, including vocalizations, gestures, and assistive device use. This project will expand the ORCA tool to be useful for a broader range of neurodevelopmental disorders, providing a comprehensive set of tools for clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is relevant to children with various neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those with communication challenges, and their caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients without neurodevelopmental disorders or significant communication difficulties would not directly benefit from this specific communication assessment tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool will help families and doctors more accurately track communication changes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders during clinical trials, potentially leading to better treatments.
How similar studies have performed: The ORCA tool has already shown promise in individuals with Angelman syndrome, and this project aims to expand its proven approach to other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REEVE, BRYCE B — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: REEVE, BRYCE B
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.