Understanding how late talkers learn verbs compared to typically developing children

Identification of Differences in Verb Learning between Late Talkers and Typically Developing Children

NIH-funded research Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10889112

This study looks at how late talkers, or kids with smaller vocabularies, learn verbs compared to kids who are developing normally, to understand why some children have a harder time with words and to find ways to help them improve their language skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical University of South Carolina NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charleston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10889112 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the differences in verb learning between late talkers (children with small vocabularies) and typically developing children. It aims to identify why some children struggle with vocabulary development, particularly focusing on the role of verbs in language acquisition. By analyzing how toddlers use linguistic context to learn new verbs, the study seeks to uncover patterns that may indicate a risk for future language disorders. The findings could help in developing targeted interventions for children who are late talkers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2 to 6 years who are identified as late talkers with atypically small expressive vocabularies.

Not a fit: Children who are typically developing with no language delays or disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting language development in late talkers, potentially preventing future language disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding verb learning can provide insights into language development, making this approach promising but still requiring further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Charleston, 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.