Understanding how to improve speech ability in children with Down Syndrome
Official title: Predictors of Speech Ability in Children with Down Syndrome
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10316884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what helps kids with Down Syndrome, ages 7 to 12, improve their speech skills, so they can communicate better, and it will use a special program to help them along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $483,161 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC019280-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10316884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 7 to 12 years diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 7 to 12 years or those without a diagnosis of Down Syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that influence speech ability in children with Down Syndrome, focusing on children aged 7 to 12 years. The study will measure speech articulation accuracy and intelligibility, along with cognitive and vocabulary skills, to identify predictors of speech development. A validated speech intervention will be employed to enhance speech intelligibility, allowing researchers to evaluate changes over time. By understanding these predictors, the research aims to inform future interventions that can help children communicate more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech communication skills for children with Down Syndrome, enhancing their educational and social experiences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar speech intervention approaches, indicating potential for meaningful advancements in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camarata, Stephen Mark — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Camarata, Stephen Mark
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How speech and swallowing work in people with Down syndrome
Researchers will look at how differences in the mouth, throat, and brain affect speech clarity and safe swallowing in children and adults with Down syndrome.
-
Speech and hearing in people with Down syndrome across ages
This project looks at how infants, children, and adults with Down syndrome perceive speech and hear sounds, to understand what helps them communicate better.
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Understanding how people with Down syndrome hear and understand speech
This study is looking at how people with Down syndrome, from babies to adults, hear and understand speech, especially in noisy places, to learn more about their communication skills and how hearing loss might impact them.
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Understanding speech and swallowing challenges in individuals with Down syndrome
This study is looking at the speech and swallowing challenges that people with Down syndrome face, so we can find better ways to help them stay healthy and safe.
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Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
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.