How phonology and sound sensitivity shape language in people with Williams syndrome
Phonological Constraints on Language Development in Individuals With Williams Syndrome
This project tries to see if sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) and reliance on phonological short-term memory explain why people with Williams syndrome often have strong verbal skills by comparing them to individuals with Down syndrome and typically developing peers using EEG-NIRS and questionnaires.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens) |
| Trial ID | NCT07285720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol uses simultaneous EEG and near-infrared spectroscopy (EEG-NIRS) along with questionnaires and language/memory tasks to study phonological processing in Williams syndrome. Researchers will compare children and adolescents with Williams syndrome to peers with Down syndrome and to typically developing controls on tasks that challenge phonological short-term memory and during passive listening while recording physiological responses. The study includes standardized language and memory measures, sensory sensitivity questionnaires, and concurrent EEG-NIRS to capture neural responses to auditory stimuli. The goal is to determine whether hyperacusis and phonological short-term memory contribute to the atypical language profile seen in Williams syndrome.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a genetic diagnosis of Williams syndrome or Down syndrome aged 6–17, typically developing children/teens matched by age (6–17), or adults aged 20–60 who do not have co-occurring autism or West syndrome.
Not a fit: People with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder or West syndrome, children outside the specified age ranges, or those seeking direct therapeutic benefit rather than research findings are unlikely to receive personal medical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify mechanisms behind verbal strengths in Williams syndrome and point to targeted approaches to support language and communication.
How similar studies have performed: Behavioral research has shown distinct phonological short-term memory profiles in Williams and Down syndromes, but using combined EEG-NIRS to link hyperacusis directly to language outcomes is a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For SW and SD: genetic diagnosis and aged between 6- and 17 years old. * For typical participants: any child, adolescent or young adult of the same developmental or chronological age (between 6 and 17 years of age) * adult group (between 20 and 60 years). Exclusion Criteria: * Autistic Associated Disorders, * West syndrome
Where this trial is running
Amiens
- CHU Amiens — Amiens, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fabrice Wallois, Pr
- Email: fabrice.wallois@u-picardie.fr
- Phone: 33+3 22 08 77 75
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.