Improving writing skills for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Optimizing Language Outcomes for Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Written Language Intervention Using Functional Texts

NIH-funded research Baylor University · NIH-10891559

This study is all about helping young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities improve their writing skills by practicing in real-life situations, like texting and emailing, to make learning fun and useful.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Waco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891559 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the written language skills of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through a functional written language intervention. The approach involves integrating writing practice into everyday activities, such as sending text messages and emails, to make learning more relevant and engaging. By providing explicit instruction on reading comprehension strategies, the study aims to improve both written and spoken language outcomes for participants. The research will assess how well this intervention works and how acceptable it is to the participants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 12 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking to improve their written and spoken communication skills.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have intellectual and developmental disabilities or those who are not within the age range of 12 to 21 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved literacy skills, enhancing vocational and independent living opportunities for young adults with IDD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that interventions focusing on functional literacy can be effective for individuals with IDD, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Waco, 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.
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.