How phonology and sound sensitivity shape language in people with Williams syndrome
Official title: Phonological Constraints on Language Development in Individuals With Williams Syndrome
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07285720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 5, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07285720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Two-week intensive brain-focused therapy program for children with neurodevelopmental and chromosomal conditions
This program will try a two-week, individualized multimodal neurorehabilitation approach for children about 4–12 years old with neurodevelopmental or chromosomal conditions to see if it improves attention, motor skills, communication, and daily functioning.
-
TMS plus language therapy to improve word-finding after left-hemisphere stroke
Researchers will try excitatory transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with semantic feature analysis language therapy to improve word-finding in adults with aphasia after left-hemisphere stroke.
-
Understanding Williams Syndrome and related chromosome variants
This study is looking to learn more about the development, health, and behavior of people with Williams syndrome and related chromosome changes by collecting samples and information from them and their families.
-
Inclusive physical activity program for adults with intellectual disabilities
This study is testing a new fitness program for adults with intellectual disabilities to see if it helps them be more active and feel better over 16 weeks.
-
Improving Dutch-speaking access to out-of-hours healthcare in Brussels
This study is trying to find better translation tools to help Dutch-speaking patients communicate with French-speaking doctors in Brussels during after-hours healthcare visits.
-
Effects of brain stimulation on reading and language skills
This study is testing how different types of brain stimulation can improve reading and language skills in people.
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.