Understanding brain changes in children with developmental language disorder after treatment
Official title: Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-Related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-10870000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different treatments can change the way the brains of preschool kids with developmental language disorder work and connect, to help us understand how they learn grammar and improve their language skills.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $68,115 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019337-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children diagnosed with developmental language disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Children without developmental language disorder or those who are older than preschool age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how treatment affects the brain's structure and function in preschool children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Using advanced neuroimaging techniques like functional MRI and diffusion imaging, the study aims to identify changes in brain connectivity related to grammar learning. By comparing brain scans before and after treatment, researchers hope to uncover the neural mechanisms that underlie language development and the effectiveness of early interventions. This knowledge could lead to improved treatment strategies for children with DLD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with developmental language disorder, enhancing their language skills and overall communication abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain changes related to language disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.