Understanding language development in young children who talk late
Official title: Neurolinguistic development in 4 to 8 year-old late talkers with language delay
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11017746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brains of children aged 4 to 8 who are late talkers change as they learn to talk, so we can better understand their language development and help predict any future language challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $663,109 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019787-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4 to 8 who are identified as late talkers with language delays.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not exhibit language delays or who are typically developing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurocognitive changes and brain structures involved in language development among children aged 4 to 8 who are late talkers. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study examines how different brain pathways related to phonological and semantic skills develop over time. Children who are identified as late talkers will be followed longitudinally to assess their language skills and the impact of these brain pathways on their language development. The research aims to improve predictions of language disorders and enhance understanding of typical language acquisition processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and intervention strategies for children with language delays, ultimately improving their academic and social outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been few retrospective studies on this topic, this research employs novel methodologies that have not been extensively tested in this specific context.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Booth, James R — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Booth, James R
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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.