Neural Processing of Speech Signals in Children Who Stutter
University of Pittsburgh
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to understand how speech and language are processed in the brain. This study will provide information that may help with the understanding how speech and language are processed in children and whether there may be differences between children who stutter and children who do not stutter. This project will evaluate these neural processes for speech signals in children who stutter and control subjects through a battery of behavioral speech and language tests, electroencephalography-based (EEG) tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and computational modeling.
Description
The study will evaluate the integrity of neural processes underlying speech sound encoding and the ways in which these processes are modulated by task demands using neuroimaging and computational modeling. Age-appropriate standardized tests for assessing speech, language, and cognitive skills will be administered by a certified speech language pathologist or trained lab member. The investigators will also measure electroencephalography (EEG) via frequency following responses (FFRs) and temporal response functions (TRFs) while children complete speech-sound tasks of varying difficulty includi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 5–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Speaks English as primary language * Language abilities within the typical range * Cognitive abilities within the typical range * No contraindications for MRI Inclusion criteria for children who stutter: * Presence of developmental stuttering (onset in childhood) * No history of other communication disorder Inclusion criteria for children who do not stutter: * No family history of stuttering * No history of other communication disorders (e.g., hearing impairment, language impairment, cognitive impairment/injury) Exclusion Criteria: * Taking medication that alters n…
Interventions
- BehavioralSpeech sound stimulation
Behavioral-, electrophysiological-, and magnetic resonance imaging-based speech sound testing
Locations (2)
- University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania