Auditory predictors of late language emergence - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This is an application to NOSI NOT-DC-24-010 Tackling Acquisition of Language in Kids (TALK) R01 Research Projects. Delayed language emergence in the absence of other cognitive or developmental concerns occurs in approximately 10-20% of children, often referred to as “late talkers”. Past research has shown that starting intervention earlier, such as in the first year of life, leads to more optimal language and learning outcomes. However, the identification of infants at a higher likelihood of language delay that would benefit from intervention remains challenging. In this proposed project, we investigate whether early auditory brain or behavioral measures can serve as prognostic predictors of later language outcomes. We will follow infants longitudinally and obtain measures of auditory and linguistic abilities at 5 timepoints: 3, 6, 11, 18, and 30 months of age. Of these infants, half will be at a low likelihood (LL; 10-20% risk) of having late language emergence and half will have additional risk factors that will put them at a higher likelihood (HL; >20% risk) of late talking. At 3, 6, and 11 months of age, we will measure auditory brain responses to speech using electroencephalography. A 3, 6, 11, and 18 months, we will obtain a comprehensive assay of cross-domain development including auditory skills, receptive and expressive language, cognitive, motor, and adaptive behaviors. At 30 months, we will conduct a thorough language assessment including standardized assessments, a natural language sample, and parent-reports of language and general development. Demographic and environmental variables with potential influence on language outcomes including parental education, socioeconomic status, as well as parental stress and adversity will also be obtained to provide necessary context for data interpretation. In Aim 1, we will characterize the developmental trajectory for auditory brain responses to speech at 3, 6, and 11 months. In Aim 2, we will characterize the developmental trajectory for early auditory and language abilities at 3, 6, and 11 months and examine trajectory relationship with outcomes at 18 and 30 months. In Aim 3, we will identify brain and behavioral measures that best predict 18- and 30-month language outcomes. This proposed research addresses two TALK initiative objectives: 1) to advance our understanding of optimal measures for differentiating developmental trajectories of children at high and low likelihood of late talking, and 2) to reveal early brain and behavioral markers of language delay that may be evident in the first year of life. These results will determine whether language screening in infancy is clinically feasible and if successful, has the potential to lead to improved identification of infants at a higher likelihood of late language emergence, allowing for earlier intervention and prevention.
