Actively Recruiting
Cortical Tracking of Speech in the First Year of Life: a Window Into (a)Typical Language Acquisition
Led by IRCCS Eugenio Medea · Updated on 2026-04-15
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
I
IRCCS Eugenio Medea
Lead Sponsor
B
Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are exploring early brain mechanisms that help infants process spoken language, focusing on how the brain tracks speech sounds. This observational study aims to understand differences in these neural processes between infants with and without a family history of language and learning challenges. The goal is to see if early brain responses can predict later language development in both typical and atypical cases. The study involves two groups of infants around 7 to 8 months old: those with a family history of language disorders and those without. Participants will undergo non-invasive EEG recordings while listening to speech and musical sounds to assess brain activity related to auditory processing. They will also have a behavioral assessment using standardized developmental scales at 8 months. Follow-up assessments will take place about 10 months later, around 18 months of age, to measure language understanding and speaking skills. Researchers will collect background information like family history and socio-demographic factors. The study uses safe, non-invasive methods and does not require active responses from the infants, tracking their development over time to better understand early language acquisition.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cortical Tracking of Speech in the First Year of Life
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy infants aged between 7 and 8 months
- Infants with or without a familial risk for language disorders (defined by at least one first-degree relative with a certified diagnosis)
- Both parents are native Italian speakers
You will not qualify if you...
- Gestational age less than 37 weeks and/or birth weight less than 2500 grams
- APGAR scores at birth below 7 at 1 and 5 minutes
- Bayley Cognitive Score below 7
- Certified diagnosis of intellectual disability, attention-deficit disorder, sensory or neurological disorders, or autism in first-degree relatives
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo electrophysiological recording and behavioral assessment at 8 months to investigate early neural markers and developmental status.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 10 months after 8-month visit
Participants are observed for communicative and global development until 18 months of age.
Follow-up assessments depending on developmental milestones
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
IRCCS Eugenio Medea Associazione La nostra famiglia
Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy, 23842
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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