Examining language outcomes in adults with and without Developmental Language Disorder

Language Outcomes, Mechanisms, and Trajectories in Adults With and Without Developmental Language Disorder

Observational University of Iowa · NCT06898671

This study looks at how language skills change over time in adults with Developmental Language Disorder compared to those who developed language normally.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT06898671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to characterize the long-term language outcomes of adults with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) compared to those with typical language skills. Utilizing a large dataset from the Iowa Longitudinal Study, the researchers will re-recruit participants aged 30-35 who were previously assessed during childhood. The study will analyze both retrospective and new language measures to identify cognitive mechanisms that mediate language abilities in adulthood. The focus is on understanding how language skills evolve and differ between individuals with DLD and their typically developing peers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 30-35 who have a history of Developmental Language Disorder or typical language development.

Not a fit: Patients who are monolingual, have a history of brain injury, or neural developmental disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the long-term language challenges faced by adults with DLD, potentially informing targeted interventions and support strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on language outcomes in children, this specific longitudinal approach in adults with DLD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and those with typical language (TL) between the ages of 28 and 40 years who participated in the Iowa Longitudinal Study(NIH-DC-19-90 \& P50 DC002746; IRB# 200106051, "Collaboration on Specific Language Impairment".)
* Aged 30-35
* Normal or corrected to normal vision
* Normal hearing

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of brain injury
* history of neural developmental disabilities
* not monolingual

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

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 Developmental Language DisorderLanguage ProfilesLanguage ProcessingAdult Language DisordersTypical Adult Language
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.