Improving grammar skills in children with language disorders
Treating Complex Sentences in Children With DLD
This study is testing two different ways to help children aged 8 to 11 with language disorders improve their grammar skills to see which method works better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06911138 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to compare the effectiveness of two innovative treatments designed to enhance complex grammar knowledge in school-age children (ages 8-11) with developmental language disorder (DLD). One treatment employs an implicit approach, where children listen to target sentences multiple times during training, while the other uses a conventional explicit method that teaches grammar rules directly. The study will conduct two randomized clinical trials focusing on different syntactic structures to evaluate the outcomes of both treatment methods. By controlling key treatment aspects, the researchers hope to determine which approach yields better results in improving grammar skills.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are school-age children aged 8-11 with diagnosed developmental language disorder and specific language impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional or behavioral disorders, or those who have received prior treatment for complex syntax may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly enhance the grammar skills of children with developmental language disorders, leading to improved communication abilities.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been few treatment studies for later-developing language skills, this approach is novel and aims to address limitations seen in previous research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Language impairment: standard score of 34 or lower on the Test of Language and Learning Skills * Nonverbal IQ: nonverbal quotient of 77 or higher * Normal range hearing * Normal or corrected vision * Native English speaker * Sentence comprehension screening/sentence chunking screening 50% or lower Exclusion Criteria: * Neurodevelopmental disorder * Emotional/behavioral disorder * Frank neurological disorder * Treatment for complex syntax from outside clinician
Where this trial is running
Tucson, Arizona and 3 other locations
- University of Arizona — Tucson, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
- Ohio University — Athens, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Utah State University — Logan, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, West Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jeanette Eckert
- Email: j.eckert@ohio.edu
- Phone: 740-593-0113
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.