Understanding late talking in children using brain imaging and behavior assessments
Official title: Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Supplement)
Run by University of Toronto · NCT06156865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Months to 30 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Oshawa, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06156865 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are monolingual English-speaking children aged 18 to 30 months who exhibit late talking.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While the approach of using neuroimaging to study late talking is relatively novel, similar studies on developmental language disorders have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Grandview Kids
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada 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
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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.