Understanding how language and movement develop in diverse infants with Down Syndrome

Characterizing Language and Motor Development of Racially/Ethnically Diverse Infants and Toddlers with Down Syndrome

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11092926

This study is looking at how babies with Down Syndrome and babies without it learn to talk and move as they grow, and it’s for families who want to understand more about their child's development over the first year of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092926 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interaction between language and motor development in infants with Down Syndrome (DS) and typically developing infants. By using various methods such as technology-assisted assessments, parent reports, and observations during free play, the study aims to track developmental changes over a 12-month period. The research will actively recruit participants, focusing on including a diverse group from racially and ethnically minoritized backgrounds. The goal is to gain insights into how language and motor skills develop and support each other in early childhood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are infants aged 6 to 18 months diagnosed with Down Syndrome or typically developing infants within the same age range.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 6 to 18 months or those without Down Syndrome may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for enhancing language and motor skills in infants with Down Syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding developmental trajectories in similar populations, but this specific focus on diverse infants with Down Syndrome is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Austin, 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 2026-06-09 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.