Understanding speech and swallowing challenges in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: A Physiologically Integrated Approach to Studying Mechanisms of Speech Production and Swallow Function in Down Syndrome
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10657309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,959,062 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC020622-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10657309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Down syndrome, particularly those experiencing difficulties with speech and swallowing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not experience speech or swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome regarding speech production and swallowing functions. It aims to explore the physiological and neurological factors that contribute to these difficulties, which can lead to serious health risks such as aspiration pneumonia. By examining the specific oral and cognitive characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome, the study seeks to develop tailored interventions that are more effective than current methods borrowed from other populations. The research will involve a combination of clinical assessments and innovative methodologies to better understand these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech and swallowing interventions specifically designed for individuals with Down syndrome, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on speech and swallowing in other populations, this approach is novel as it specifically addresses the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkinson, Krista M — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Wilkinson, Krista M
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.
-
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 how to improve speech ability in children with Down Syndrome
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.
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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.
-
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.