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Infant Study

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How long will the study last?

This is a longitudinal research study that will consist of four assessments: Enrollment Assessment, 6 Month Assessment, 9 Month Assessment, 12 Month Assessment. All of these assessments are done at home either online or via phone call. 

What procedures are we using to measure your child’s language development?

  • Family Questionnaires: Use of questionnaires to know you and your family’s health, education and occupation, and language backgrounds. 
  • Medical Record Review: We will review your child’s medical records, including medical conditions, treatments, previous neuroimaging (ultrasound, CT scans), family visitation, use of Kangaroo care, breastfeeding, and related information. The reason for the medical record review is to determine if illness, medical treatments, and social interactions contribute to the child’s language development.
  • MRI analysis.  We will obtain the MRI scans that your child received as part of routine care for special analyses in our laboratory (if your child did receive one).
  • Home Language Environment Assessment: The child will wear a special recording device, called a LENA®. The device fits into a pocket of specially designed t-shirts, vests, or overalls that we lend you. The child wears the device throughout a typical day at home, about 16 hours. 
  • DAY-C (Developmental Assessment of Young Children): An assessment to better understand a child’s development in thinking skills, communication, and social-emotional development.
  • Language Questionnaire: A set of questions to understand your child’s language skills.