Assessing language and reading disorder risks in children
Official title: Validation of Computerized Dynamic Assessment Tasks to Identify the Risk of Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) and Specific Reading Disorder (SRD) in Monolingual and Multilingual Children
Run by IRCCS Eugenio Medea · NCT06937255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new online tools to see if they can help identify preschool and primary school kids at risk for language and learning disorders, especially those who speak multiple languages.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 9 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Eugenio Medea Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bosisio Parini, LC) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 3, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06937255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4-9 years attending Italian-language schools in Italy or Switzerland/Germany, particularly those from multilingual families.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intellectual disabilities or major psychopathological disorders, as well as those with less than two years of exposure to the Italian language, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to validate Dynamic Assessment tests designed to identify the risk of language and learning disorders in preschool and primary school children. The tests focus on measuring learning potential rather than absolute performance, making them particularly useful for multilingual children. The study utilizes a computerized platform called MuLiMi, which hosts screening tests that can be applied remotely. By completing the validation of these tests, the study seeks to provide baseline data for assessing language and learning disorders across diverse language backgrounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early identification and intervention for children at risk of language and reading disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using dynamic assessments for multilingual populations, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 4-6 years (Kindergarten) or 7-9 years (Primary school); * Attendance at an Italian-language school in Italy or Switzerland/Germany. Additional inclusion criteria for the multilingual group only: * (i) At least one parent speaks at least one language other than Italian in the family; * (ii) Continuous exposure to the Italian language for at least two years. Exclusion Criteria: * Intellectual disability, major psychopathological disorders, exposure to Italian language for less than two years.
Where it's running
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IRCCS E. Medea, polo di Bosisio Parini
Bosisio Parini, Lc, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Luisa Lorusso, Ph.D — IRCCS E. Medea
- Study coordinator: Maria Luisa Lorusso, Ph.D
- Email: marialuisa.lorusso@lanostrafamiglia.it
- Phone: 031-877592
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.