Clinical Research Directory

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Language Training for Language Disorders in Children With Global Developmental Delay

This study explores a safe and effective new approach to improve language function in children with Global Developmental Delay (GDD). Conducted at Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital, the study will recruit approximately 50 children aged 2 to 5 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving personalized language training combined with non-invasive, painless repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to activate language regions of the brain, and a control group receiving personalized training alongside sham stimulation for comparative analysis. The study spans one month, including a two-week intervention period followed by a two-week follow-up to evaluate the efficacy and sustainability of the combined therapy. This study has been rigorously reviewed and approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee.

Let's Know!2: Language-focused Intervention for Children at Risk of Comprehension Difficulties

In the proposed project, the investigators will conduct a multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the efficacy of Let's Know!2, a small-group, language focused comprehension intervention, on children's lower- and higher-level language skills and comprehension skills in the short- and long-term (Specific Aims 1 and 2). The investigators will also explore whether intervention effects are moderated by dosage, initial language skill, developmental language disorder (DLD) status, word reading skill, nonverbal IQ, and family socioeconomic status (Specific Aim 3). Children who have low language skills and are thus at risk for reading comprehension difficulties will participate in the study. Children will be randomly assigned to receive Let's Know! in small groups at their respective schools or to a business-as-usual control condition. The investigators will measure children's language and comprehension skills at the beginning and end of Grade 1 as well as in Grade 2 and Grade 3. The investigators hypothesize that children who experience Let's Know! will end Grade 1 with higher language skills than children in the control condition and that this will translate into better listening and reading comprehension skills as these children matriculate through elementary school.

Pediatric Speech Therapy Session Frequency and Speech Outcomes

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare speech therapy outcomes in children ages 18 months to 16 years who participate in weekly speech therapy with home programming versus every-other week speech therapy with home programming in outpatient speech therapy. The main question it aims to answer is: Does a change in how often speech therapy sessions are delivered show an increased benefit in language and articulation standardized test scores? Participants will be randomly assigned to either (1) weekly or (2) every-other-week speech therapy for a total of 8 sessions. Researchers will compare these two groups to see if there are differences in speech outcomes.

Shared Interactive Book Reading in Preschool Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Effects on Language Development and Reading Habits

The goal of this observational retrospective study is to explore the effects of a parent-based book reading intervention on children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The project consisted of interactive lessons for parents and shared reading experiences. It took place between May 2021 and June 2022 in Rome and at the time children were receiving neuropsychomotor and speech therapy sessions based on the developmental profile. The investigators'primary goal is to investigate lexical quotients of children who participated in the project to explore whether it had an impact on their language development. The secondary goal is to assess shared reading habits. For both outcome measures, researchers will compare the group who partecipated in the study with a cohort of children with the same characteristics who also attended Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi for rehabilitation purposes. Patients and their family will not be asked for any further engagement because all data will be taken from medical records.