Talking to yourself might boost brain flexibility in kids with language disorder

NCT ID NCT06880731

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether watching a cartoon character talk through a thinking task can help children aged 8-10 with developmental language disorder (DLD) improve their mental flexibility. Half of the children with DLD will see the character narrate its actions, while the other half will watch silently. Researchers will measure accuracy, reaction time, and brain signals to see if the verbal modeling helps. The goal is to understand how language supports thinking and to develop better interventions for DLD.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Modeling with Verbal Mediation (behavioral intervention)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, language-based training method to help children with DLD improve their ability to switch between tasks.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 75 children. The intervention is brief and may not lead to lasting changes in real-world thinking skills.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

familial developmental dysphasia Language Development Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • MGH Institute of Health Professions

    RECRUITING

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••