Teaching inner speech to help children with developmental language disorder
Training Verbal Mediation to Support Executive Function in Children With Developmental Language Disorder
NA · MGH Institute of Health Professions · NCT06880731
This project tests whether modeling self-directed 'inner speech' helps children with developmental language disorder improve their ability to switch between tasks and control behavior.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MGH Institute of Health Professions (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06880731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project enrolls 75 children aged 8 to 10 years divided into three matched groups: DLD-training (modeling verbal mediation), DLD-control (modeling only), and a typically developing control. The DLD-training group receives modeled verbal mediation intended to shape use of self-directed language, while controls receive modeling without the verbal mediation component. Outcome measures include behavioral metrics (accuracy and reaction time) and an electrophysiological EEG marker of cognitive shifting to capture real-time cue processing. Investigators will compare changes in use of verbal mediation and both behavioral and EEG measures of shifting to determine whether the training improves executive function in children with DLD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 8;0–9;11 years with primary English, normal hearing on screening, TILLS Identification Core Score <34, KBIT-2 Fluid Subtest standard score ≥70, and no ADHD, autism, TBI, or other neurological disorders are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children with co-occurring ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury, significant hearing loss, non-English primary language, or KBIT-2 Fluid Subtest <70 are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could give children with DLD better self-guided language strategies and improved cognitive flexibility that may help academic and everyday functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Language-based modeled interventions have shown promise in improving verbal mediation and executive function in typically developing children, but applying this approach to children with DLD is relatively untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria (children with developmental language disorder; DLD): * Age 8;0-9;11 years English as the primary language * Pass hearing screen bilaterally (20 dB HL, at 1K, 2K, \& 4K) * TILLS Identification Core Score \< 34 Inclusion criteria (children with typical development; TD): * Age 8;0-9;11 years English as the primary language * Pass hearing screen bilaterally (20 dB HL, at 1K, 2K, \& 4K) * TILLS Identification Core Score \> or = 34 Exclusion criteria (DLD \& TD groups): * KBIT-2 Fluid Subtest Standard Score \< 70 * ADHD, Autism, TBI, or other neurological deficits or disorders
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- MGH Institute of Health Professions — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
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.
Conditions: Developmental Language Disorder