Comparing word learning methods for late talking toddlers

Identification of Treatment Parameters That Maximize Language Treatment Efficacy for Children

Phase 2 Interventional University of Arizona · NCT05921188

This study is testing two different ways to help late talking toddlers learn new words to see which method works better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 4 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arizona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tucson, Arizona)
Trial IDNCT05921188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate two different approaches to teaching vocabulary to late talking toddlers over an 8-week period. Participants will be divided into two groups, one receiving words that sound more familiar and the other receiving words that sound less familiar. Each group will attend sessions twice a week for 30 minutes, focusing on vocabulary acquisition and usage. The study will assess which method is more effective in enhancing word learning by comparing the progress of children in both groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are native English-speaking toddlers aged 2-3 years who are late talkers and meet specific expressive language criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with other diagnoses or those enrolled in concurrent treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve language development strategies for late talking toddlers, leading to better communication skills.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using familiar sounds to enhance language learning, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Native English Speaking
* Pass pure tone hearing screening or medical report of normal hearing
* 2-3 Years of age at start of study
* MCDI expressive scales \<10th percentile

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parental reports of other diagnoses
* Enrolled in concurrent treatment elsewhere
* Nonverbal IQ \<75 as measured by the Bayley scales
* Parents unable to consistently bring child to treatment sessions

Where this trial is running

Tucson, Arizona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Language Development DisordersLate Talkers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.