Using technology to find ways to measure language development in young children with Down syndrome
Official title: Leveraging technology to identify outcome measures for young children with Down syndrome
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10647275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for the best ways to track how young children with Down syndrome, ages 2 to 5, are developing their language skills, using videos recorded by their caregivers, so we can help improve their communication and support any treatments they might be receiving.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $422,828 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD111807-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10647275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 2-5 years diagnosed with Down syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 2-5 years or those without a diagnosis of Down syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying effective outcome measures for assessing language development in young children with Down syndrome, specifically those aged 2-5 years. It aims to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of language samples collected remotely by caregivers through digital technology, such as video recordings and specialized analysis systems. By developing these measures, the research seeks to enhance the evaluation of behavioral and pharmacological interventions for this population, ultimately supporting better communication and language outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide reliable tools for assessing language development in young children with Down syndrome, leading to improved intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using technology for language assessment in older children, but this approach for younger children with Down syndrome is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sterling, Audra Marie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Sterling, Audra Marie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.