Development of a new approach to screening for language impairments

DESCRIPTIONprovided by applicantThis Small Business Technology and TransferSTTRFast Track proposal focuses on the translation of innovative research protocols for diagnosing Specific Language ImpairmentSLIinto an innovativeeasy touse app based screener with high potential for private sector commercializationSLI is a form of language impairment with no known causewith a strong research baseBecause it is difficult to diagnosethe lack of detection often is misperceived as a learning disabilityand results in significant challenges in educationemployment and social settingsAs suchthere is a pressing need for a screener consistent with modern life stylesthat is quick and easy to useprovides clinically valid evidence based informationand can alert users to the need for more complete diagnostic assessment to determine if clinical services are neededThe proposed project brings together two PIs with complementary expertiseA proven investigator of SLIRicewho identified a clinical grammar marker for SLI and developed experimental assessment protocolsand a leader in the field of Assistive Technology with product and marketing expertise as well as executive leadership of a companyEllensonFor Phase IAimis to translate experimental assessment technologies into an efficient app based screener that individuals can use independentlyAimis to field test the app to ascertain it delivers credible data compared to th lab administered versions of the protocols with children and adolescents with and without impairmentsFor Phase IIAimis to translatelab tested protocols into the screenerand provide coverage and appeal to a broad age rangeAimis to field test the entire product to ascertain that it delivers credible data compared to the lab administered versionsAimis to integrate confidentialnon identifiable data collection technology into the app in order to gather data of significance to scientific advancementThe screener holds promise for acceptance on a wide basejoining other screeners such as those for color blindness and hearing lossThe screener would also have scientific application in health studies with a large number of participants PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCEThe project will develop a low costeasily distributedand non stigmatizing methodology for screening individuals for Specific Language ImpairmentSLIand other forms of language impairmentsranging in age from young children to adultsIt will validate the screening effectiveness with children and adults with and without known language impairmentsThe screener will contribute to clinical identification of individuals with SLI and other forms of language impairment and be suitable for large scale public health studies of the prevalence and causes of language impairment