Using Neuroimaging and Behavioral Assessments to Understand Late Talking

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · Dec 4, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying late talking in young children, which affects about 10-20% of kids under three years old. Late talkers often struggle with vocabulary and sentence structure, similar to children with developmental language disorders. The researchers want to better understand how the brain processes language and memory in these children. They will use brain imaging techniques, alongside behavioral assessments, to explore the connections between language development and treatment outcomes. This knowledge could help create more personalized interventions for late talkers.

To participate, children must be between 18 and 30 months old and primarily speak English at home. They should be attending one of the participating facilities and have no issues that would prevent them from undergoing an MRI scan, such as metal implants or vision problems. The study is currently recruiting participants, and it’s important to note that children who do not fit the late talker profile or have special educational needs may not be eligible. Families interested in this study can expect a supportive environment and a chance to contribute to important research that may improve language development strategies for children who talk late.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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