Retrieval-based Word Learning for Developmental Language Disorder

Overseen By Laurence B Leonard, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Purdue University

Disqualifiers: Hearing loss, Neurological damage, Autism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

32 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how different word recall practices can help young children with developmental language disorder (DLD) improve their language skills. The study compares two methods of teaching new words: one with fixed practice times and another that adjusts to each child's progress. The goal is to determine if the adjustable practice method enhances learning while maintaining the benefits of repeated practice. This trial suits four- and five-year-olds with significant language delays but normal hearing and intelligence. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for children to benefit from innovative teaching methods tailored to their individual progress.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for children with developmental language disorder?

Research has shown that retrieval-based word learning techniques are generally well-received by children. Studies have found that these methods can help kids remember words better without causing any major side effects. In earlier research, children recalled words immediately after learning them and continued to remember them over time. This indicates the method is both effective and safe.

The current study includes children with typical language development and those with developmental language disorder (DLD). Although children with DLD may struggle to understand word meanings, the learning technique itself poses no known risks or safety issues. Instead, it aims to enhance their language skills.

Overall, based on past studies, the retrieval-based word learning method is considered safe, with no reported negative effects on children's health or development. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about retrieval-based word learning for developmental language disorder because it offers a promising new approach compared to traditional speech therapy methods. Unlike standard treatments that often focus on repetition and rote memorization, this method emphasizes actively retrieving words from memory, which may strengthen language processing and retention. By targeting the retrieval process, this technique could potentially accelerate language acquisition and improve communication skills more effectively in children with developmental language disorder.

What evidence suggests that retrieval-based word learning is effective for developmental language disorder?

Research has shown that a method called retrieval practice can help children with developmental language disorder (DLD) learn words more effectively. This method involves having children attempt to recall words they've learned, enhancing their ability to remember the words and grasp their meanings. In this trial, one group of children with DLD will use retrieval practice during word learning, a technique proven more effective than simply studying the words repeatedly. Another group in this trial includes children with typical language development, who will also benefit from this technique. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Laurence B Leonard, PhD

Principal Investigator

Purdue University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for four- and five-year-old children with developmental language disorder (DLD), also known as specific language impairment. It aims to help those who struggle significantly with word learning, affecting their academic and social skills.

Inclusion Criteria

Native English speaker (can be bilingual)

My hearing is normal and I have no neurological issues.

Significant deficit in language ability (language test score below cutoff for best sensitivity/specificity) or documented age-appropriate language ability

Exclusion Criteria

Scores on tests of nonverbal intelligence below the intellectual disability range (standard score less than 75)

Autism spectrum disorder

Non-native English speaker

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Learning Phase

Children learn novel verbs using standard and adaptive retrieval schedules over two consecutive days

2 days

2 visits (in-person)

Immediate Recall Testing

Recall of word forms and meanings tested 5 minutes after the learning session

5 minutes

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for word recall and recognition one week after the learning period

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Retrieval-based Word Learning

Trial Overview

The study tests two methods of helping children recall new words: a 'standard' schedule where the time between hearing and recalling a word is fixed, versus an 'adaptive' schedule that changes based on the child's progress.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Children with Developmental Language Disorder Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

These children have a significant delay in language development in the absence of hearing impairment, cognitive delay, autism, or neurological injury/disease.

Group II: Children With Typical Language Development Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Children whose language development is as expected for their age.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Purdue University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

239

Recruited

72,200+

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Collaborator

Trials

377

Recruited

190,000+

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07048392

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental ...

Specifically, the children will show greater recall for word forms and meanings in the RSR condition than those in the repeated study condition. Past studies ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6802884/

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Young Typically ...

The current study examined the effect of 2 different retrieval schedules on word learning at both the behavioral and neural levels.

3.

pubs.asha.org

pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00809

The Use of Retrieval Practice During Shared Book Reading

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) benefit from the inclusion of retrieval practice during word learning. However, most studies reporting ...

4.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X25000713

Word learning in children with developmental language ...

Retrieval-based word learning in young typically developing children and children with developmental language disorder I: The benefits of repeated retrieval.

5.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06995014

Retrieval-based Word Learning in Developmental ...

The goal of the study is to determine whether the adaptive schedule can increase children's absolute levels of learning while maintaining the ...

6.

centerwatch.com

centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05325333/retrieval-based-word-learning-in-developmental-language-disorder

Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Developmental ...

Longitudinal studies show that individuals with DLD fall further behind their peers in vocabulary ability from preschool to 21 years of age ( ...