Understanding communication challenges in adolescents with Down syndrome
A biopsychosocial approach to the deep phenotyping of communicative participation in adolescents with Down syndrome
This study is looking at the communication challenges that teenagers with Down syndrome face and aims to create personalized support to help them express themselves better and participate more in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10879335 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication difficulties faced by adolescents with Down syndrome, which often hinder their participation in daily activities. By employing a biopsychosocial approach, the study aims to develop tailored interventions that address not only the speech production issues but also the psychosocial factors affecting these individuals. The research will create detailed profiles of communicative participation to inform the development of effective, evidence-based strategies that consider the unique experiences of adolescents with Down syndrome. This approach seeks to improve their overall quality of life and engagement in society.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 21 with a diagnosis of Down syndrome who experience communication challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Down syndrome or those who do not experience significant communication difficulties may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication skills and greater social participation for adolescents with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting communication interventions for adolescents with Down syndrome, similar approaches in other populations have shown promise in improving communicative participation.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Meghan Darling — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: White, Meghan Darling
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 below.