RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

MOLECULAR BASIS OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED DISORDERS

This study focuses on Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), a condition where children have ongoing language difficulties not caused by other known medical issues like autism or learning disabilities. About 7-8% of children experience DLD, but understanding its causes has been tricky due to different ways of defining it. Researchers believe that looking closely at the genes of children with DLD could provide important answers. This study aims to gather detailed information from children with DLD, analysing their genes from blood samples. By doing this, the team hopes to identify specific genetic changes that might contribute to DLD, similar to how genes are involved in other brain development conditions. This understanding could lead to better ways to help children with DLD in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

Start

25 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

25 Mar 2028

Developmental Language Disorder

What is this study about?

Imagine your child has trouble with language – understanding what people say, or forming their own words and sentences – even though their hearing is fine and there's no other obvious medical reason for it. This is what we call Developmental Language Disorder, or DLD. It's quite common, affecting about 1 in 14 children, but it's not always easy to figure out exactly why it happens.

For a long time, understanding DLD has been a challenge because children's language difficulties can vary a lot, and sometimes they also have other learning issues. This can make it hard for researchers to study the condition effectively. This study is designed to overcome these challenges by carefully selecting a group of children with DLD, focusing on those whose language problems are the main issue, without other major health conditions.

The main goal of this research is to explore the genetic roots of DLD. We know that conditions like autism and learning disabilities often have a genetic component, and researchers suspect the same is true for DLD. By taking blood samples and performing advanced genetic tests, the study hopes to identify specific genetic differences that might make a child more likely to develop DLD. This is like looking for tiny clues in a child's DNA code that could explain their language journey.

Key takeaways

This study looks at the genetic causes of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
It aims to understand why some children struggle with language development.
Participation involves providing a single blood sample from your child.
The study focuses on children aged 5 and older with severe DLD.
Results could help improve future understanding and support for DLD.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for children aged 5 or older who have a clear diagnosis of severe and isolated Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). This means their language difficulties are significant and are the primary challenge they face. They should have already seen a speech and language therapist, a specialist in brain development (neuropsychologist), and a children's doctor (paediatric neurologist) to confirm their DLD diagnosis and rule out other conditions. They must also have received speech therapy for at least a year, and their language difficulties must still be present.

Children cannot join the study if they have certain other conditions. This includes significant learning disabilities (where their non-verbal IQ is very low), autism spectrum disorder, moderate to severe hearing loss, problems with their mouth or face structure, or any known brain or genetic conditions that have already been identified. Also, children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a specific speech disorder where the brain has trouble coordinating the movements for speech, will not be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged 5 or older?
Does your child have a formal diagnosis of severe DLD?
Has your child received speech therapy for at least one year?
Does your child NOT have a significant learning disability (low IQ)?
Does your child NOT have autism spectrum disorder or severe hearing loss?
Has your child's doctor ruled out other known genetic conditions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child is eligible and you decide to take part, the main step involves providing a blood sample from your child. This is a standard procedure, similar to what might happen at a doctor's office. There are no medications or special treatments involved in this study. The genetic tests will be performed on this blood sample to look for genetic changes. You will not need to attend multiple visits or long follow-up appointments. The research team will collect the necessary information and sample, and your participation will then be complete for the study's purposes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study primarily involves giving a blood sample, which carries a small risk of minor discomfort, bruising, or, in very rare cases, infection at the site of the needle stick. There are no direct medical benefits for your child from participating. However, the information gained from this research could be very important for improving our understanding of DLD, potentially leading to better diagnoses and support for children with DLD in the future. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's medical care.

Locations (3)

Hopital Sud Francilien
Verified postcode
Corbeil-Essonnes, France· Recruiting
Raymond Poincaré- Garches
Verified postcode
Garches, France· Recruiting
Hopital Necker
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)?

DLD is when a child has ongoing difficulties with language that are not due to hearing problems, learning disabilities, or other known medical conditions.

Why is a blood sample needed?

The blood sample allows researchers to study your child's genes, looking for specific genetic differences that might be linked to DLD.

Will my child receive any treatment in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning it only collects information (like the blood sample). It does not involve any new treatments or medicines.

Will I find out my child's genetic results?

The study aims to understand DLD in general. Individual results are usually not shared, but you can discuss this with the research team.

Is taking part voluntary?

Yes, taking part is completely voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw at any time without any impact on your child's care.

How to find out more

Vincent Cantagrel, PhD

vincent.cantagrel@inserm.fr 33 142754237 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.