Understanding late talking in children using brain imaging and behavior assessments
Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Supplement)
This study is trying to understand why some toddlers talk later than others by looking at their brains and behaviors to help create better support for them.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months to 30 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Oshawa, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06156865 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates late talking in children aged 18 to 30 months, a condition affecting 10-20% of this age group. By employing neuroimaging techniques alongside behavioral assessments, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying language development and delays. The focus is on understanding the relationship between memory and language processes, particularly in relation to treatment outcomes for late talkers. The findings could lead to more tailored interventions for children experiencing language delays.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are monolingual English-speaking children aged 18 to 30 months who exhibit late talking.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the criteria for late talking or typical development, as well as those with contraindications to MRI, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, individualized interventions for children with late talking, improving their language development outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using neuroimaging to study late talking is relatively novel, similar studies on developmental language disorders have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * child and parent are monolingual/native (primarily) English speakers * child is enrolled at one of the participating facilities * child is recruited via word of mouth, including social media * child is between 18 and 30 months of age * child does not have any contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., intracranial metal implants, claustrophobia) * child does not have any uncorrected vision challenges Exclusion Criteria: * Child does not meet criteria for LT or typical development * Standard magnetic resonance imaging exclusion criteria * Gestational age less than 37 weeks or greater than 42 weeks * Special education placement of child based on ability or behavior
Where this trial is running
Oshawa, Ontario and 1 other locations
- Grandview Kids — Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Speech Specialists — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karla N Washington, PhD — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Karla N Washington, PhD
- Email: karla.washington@utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-978-6499
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.