Understanding brain changes in children with developmental language disorder
Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-related Changes in DLD
This study is trying to see how treatment affects grammar learning in preschoolers with developmental language disorder by looking at their brain changes before and after therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 184 (estimated) |
| Ages | 48 Months to 71 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Cincinati, Ohio and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05268341 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms underlying grammar learning in preschoolers with developmental language disorder (DLD) using neuroimaging techniques such as functional MRI and diffusion imaging. By examining both functional and structural connectivity in the brain, the study aims to identify how treatment impacts grammar learning and the associated memory-language mechanisms. The project focuses on children aged 48-71 months who exhibit expressive grammar deficits, with the goal of informing more individualized interventions for DLD. The study will gather data before, after, and following treatment to assess changes in brain function and structure related to grammar learning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preschool-aged children (48-71 months) with developmental language disorder who are typically developing in other areas.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently receiving other speech-language interventions or have special education placements based on ability or behavior may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, tailored interventions for children with developmental language disorder, improving their educational and occupational outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using neuroimaging to understand language disorders is gaining traction, this specific investigation into the neural basis of DLD in preschoolers is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ages 48-71 months * average nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) * enrolled in participating center * typically developing (receptive and expressive language, social, articulation, other) * DLD for expressive grammar * typical oral motor function * typical social/pragmatics skills * average hearing thresholds * monolingual and native Standard English speakers * does not have any uncorrected vision challenges Exclusion Criteria: * receiving co-occurring speech-language or other intervention for communication * not MRI safe * special education placement of child based on ability or behavior
Where this trial is running
Cincinati, Ohio and 5 other locations
- New Horizon Childcare — Cincinati, Ohio, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Empower Learn Create INC — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- CWFF CHild Development Center — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- Wesley Education Center for Children and Families — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karla N Washington, PhD — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Karla N Washington, PhD
- Email: washink2@ucmail.uc.edu
- Phone: 513-558-8533
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.