Neuroimaging changes with treatment in developmental language disorder (DLD)
Official title: Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-Related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-11523800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using brain imaging in people with developmental language disorder to see how treatment-related changes relate to grammar learning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toronto NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $478,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019337-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11523800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with developmental language disorder across preschool to adult ages who are undergoing language treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without DLD or those not engaged in language treatment may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will scan brains of children and adults with DLD before and after language treatment to map changes in brain networks involved in grammar and memory. It combines functional MRI and diffusion imaging to connect grammar learning with the brain’s procedural memory system and the basal ganglia connections. The goal is to understand how treatment reshapes brain activity and structure to support better language skills. Findings could help tailor interventions based on how the brain responds to therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could guide personalized treatment approaches and improve language outcomes for people with DLD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows neural changes with therapy in language disorders, but this study directly links treatment-related brain changes to grammar learning in DLD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Washington, Karla N — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Washington, Karla N
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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.