Improving language exposure for infants in neonatal intensive care units
Official title: Small Things First: Leveraging Implementation Science to Increase Access to Infant Directed Speech for ALL Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-11109442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping babies in the NICU by encouraging parents and doctors to talk to them more in a special way that supports their language development, making it easier for these little ones to grow and learn.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $130,621 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HD110608-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants currently admitted to neonatal intensive care units who are at risk of language deprivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in NICUs or those who are not infants may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the language environment for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) by increasing the use of infant directed speech (IDS) from both parents and clinicians. The study aims to implement strategies that encourage caregivers to engage in more frequent and effective communication with NICU infants, which is crucial for their language development. By addressing barriers to parent visitation and clinician engagement, the project seeks to create a supportive environment that fosters better language outcomes for these vulnerable infants. The approach involves training and encouraging both parents and healthcare providers to use IDS, which has been shown to positively impact language acquisition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve language development outcomes for infants in NICUs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that increasing infant directed speech can lead to better language outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maye, Melissa — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Maye, Melissa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.
This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.
-
Making HIV prevention and care easier for Ugandan youth
A Ugandan study is testing ways to help adolescents and young adults (15–24) prevent HIV and stay healthy, using long-acting PrEP and youth-friendly services.
-
Innovative HIV Prevention and Care Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
A Ugandan research team is testing practical, youth-focused strategies to help 15-24 year-olds using HIV prevention or treatment services stay healthy and engaged in care.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Resilient HIV Implementation for LGBTQ Youth in Africa and Beyond
A program to help young people ages 15–24 who are at risk for or living with HIV, especially sexual and gender minority youths, access better HIV prevention and care through real-world health practice improvements.
-
Regional hub to speed up ending HIV with practical science
A regional collaboration will translate proven HIV interventions into real-world practice to reduce new infections across priority areas.
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.