Rapid Changes in Young Children's Speech

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS: 22 months to 2 1⁄2 years of age, Male and female, English speaking only, Normal hearing

PURPOSE: At this age, children acquire an extraordinary amount of new language. In this study, we are interested in understanding the periods of rapid change in children's language and the developments that occur at this time. We are also interested in learning how parents speak to children.

LENGTH: A preliminary session of approximately 1 hour will help us determine whether it is the best time to work with your child or whether it is perhaps too soon. If we find that your child’s language is in the stage of rapid change, you will be invited to participate in 1 to 12, 1-hour long sessions, held approximately once a week.

PROCEDURE: In the study, we engage children in fun games and audiotape parents and their children in natural conversation.

BENEFITS: Children enjoy the routine of having a visitor come by just for them and have a lot of fun playing our games. Parents gain insight into their children’s language abilities and may choose to receive progress reports, outlining their children’s development. Each child who participates receives a stuffed animal at the end of the study.