NIH-funded research R21 grant

Improving word learning in children with developmental language disorder

Official title: Contextual Word Learning in Children with DLD

Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-10907769 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at new ways to help children with developmental language disorder (DLD) learn new words better through fun reading activities, and it will also include kids who are developing normally to see how well the approach works for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of Ny,binghamton
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Binghamton, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$194,275
NIH project number5R21DC020018-02
Project IDNIH-10907769 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-13 years who have been diagnosed with developmental language disorder.

Less likely to help

Children without developmental language disorder or those outside the age range of 0-13 years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing vocabulary acquisition in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) by using effective reading interventions. It aims to develop and test a novel approach that combines metalinguistic training and the use of diverse texts to improve contextual word learning. The study will involve two groups of children: those with typical development and those with DLD, assessing the effectiveness of the intervention through structured sessions. By targeting how children learn new words in context, the research seeks to provide meaningful support for their language development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve vocabulary growth and academic outcomes for children with developmental language disorder.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using metalinguistic training and diverse texts to enhance vocabulary learning, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • State University of Ny,binghamton
    Binghamton, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Duff, Dawna — State University of Ny,binghamton
  • Study coordinator: Duff, Dawna

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.