Understanding speech processing in children who stutter
Official title: Neural Processing of Speech Signals in Children Who Stutter
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT05668923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how children's brains process speech to see if there are differences between kids who stutter and those who don't.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 21, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05668923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children who are fluent English speakers, aged within the typical range of cognitive and language abilities, and either have developmental stuttering or are typically fluent without a family history of stuttering.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other communication disorders, cognitive impairments, or those taking medications that alter neural function may 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 aims to explore how speech and language are processed in the brains of children, particularly focusing on differences between those who stutter and those who do not. The study employs a combination of behavioral speech and language tests, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate neural processes involved in speech sound encoding. Participants will undergo various speech-sound tasks while their brain activity is monitored, allowing researchers to quantify neural activations related to speech processing. The findings may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of stuttering and inform future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children who stutter.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging techniques to understand speech processing, but this specific approach focusing on stuttering is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Speaks English as primary language * Language abilities within the typical range * Cognitive abilities within the typical range * No contraindications for MRI Inclusion criteria for children who stutter: * Presence of developmental stuttering (onset in childhood) * No history of other communication disorder Inclusion criteria for children who do not stutter: * No family history of stuttering * No history of other communication disorders (e.g., hearing impairment, language impairment, cognitive impairment/injury) Exclusion Criteria: * Taking medication that alters neural function * Cognitive skills below the typical range * Major medical illness * Not a fluent speaker of English * Pregnant or possibly pregnant * Metal implants in your body (including pacemakers, neurostimulators, or other metal objects) * Shrapnel injuries * Ocular foreign bodies (e.g., metal shavings) * Metal piercings that cannot be removed for the scan * Tattoos containing iron or metal pigments * Prone to claustrophobia * For fMRI, those with head circumference greater than 60cm or whose weight is more than 300 pounds will be excluded due to the size of the fMRI magnet bore
Where it's running
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University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amanda Hampton Wray, PhD, CCC-SLP — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Brittany Coleman, MS, CCC-SLP
- Email: bmc162@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-710-6028
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Delta-frequency alternating-current brain stimulation paired with choral reading for stuttering
This project will try mild, noninvasive alternating-current brain stimulation (tACS) paired with choral reading to see if it reduces stuttering in English-speaking children and adults who currently stutter.
-
Understanding why some children outgrow stuttering while others do not
This study looks at why some kids aged 3-6 outgrow stuttering while others don’t by testing their speech and language skills through fun activities over several years.
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Exploring the nature and treatment of stuttering
This study is testing new ways to treat stuttering by looking at the different factors that affect it in both one-language and multiple-language speakers.
-
Comparing rhythm perception in children who stutter and those who don't
This study tests how children who stutter perceive and produce rhythm compared to those who don’t, using fun tasks and brain scans to learn more about stuttering.
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.