About this trial
The broad aim of this clinical study is to assess the hypothesis that morphological and phonological deficits are linked by a broader deficit in sequential pattern learning. This hypothesis applies to learning in general, but is especially critical as an avenue for developing earlier assessments and more powerful interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD; also known as specific language impairment). Other populations, such as at-risk toddlers, may also benefit from this new approach.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
All children (TD, DLD, DLD + SSD, SSD) will score above 75 on the Nonverbal Scale of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II), which is above the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual cut-off for intellectual disability, even considering the standard error of measurement.
Hearing will be within normal limits
Oral structures will be within normal limits (Robbins & Klee, 1987).
The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (Schopler et al., 2010) and parent report, will be used to rule out autism.
Disqualifiers
Hearing impairment
Intellectual impairment
Autism
Significant motor impairment.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Sensitivity to phonological rules
- Sensitivity to semantic category cues.
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Father Flanagan's Boys' Home
Lead sponsor
University of Arizona
Collaborator