Virtual Infant and Toddler Vocal Development Research Study

Boys Town National Research Hospital is currently conducting research to create a tool to better understand how infants and toddlers develop and form speech sounds and words. This is a virtual research study that can be completed on a tablet, computer or smartphone.

What is vocal development?

Infants make many sounds before they say their first words. Vocal development refers to the process of forming speech sounds and words. There are many important vocal milestones during the first year of life which can be challenging to assess.

Boys Town researchers hope to learn about the sounds children typically make so that they can establish data for an online assessment tool.

Who can participate?

• Parents/guardians of individuals between the ages of 6 months and 21 months who have Down syndrome
• Parents/guardians of individuals who do not have Down syndrome and who can answer yes to the following questions:
  • Is your child between the ages of 6 months and 21 months
  • Is English the primary language spoken in your home?
  • Was your child born more than 37 weeks gestational age?
  • Did your child pass their newborn hearing screenings?
  • Has your child had less than three ear infections in the last year?
  • Your child does not have any disabilities or medical concerns that may affect their development?

What will participants do?

• Answer Questions: Tell us about your child’s development and demographic information.
• Share Sounds: Provide information about the sounds your child makes and the words they say.

This is an unpaid research study.

To sign up, please click the button below. For more information, email Jenna.Paulsen@boystown.org or call (531) 355-6674.