Electrophysiological Study for Stuttering and Nonstuttering Children

15 Jul Electrophysiological Study for Stuttering and Nonstuttering Children

This protocol includes recording electrophysiological data (EEG) during a picture naming task to better understand brain activity related to the planning and execution of speech or nonspeech movements and the processing of sensory information related to those movements.

On the first visit, children will receive a free speech and language assessment to determine eligibility. If you and your child agree to participate in this study, we may examine your child’s ear canals to determine if we can safely proceed with the study procedures (for example, using special headphones that we place inside the ear). We will then conduct a brief audiometric screening.

We will ask your child to wear an elastic cap that is used to position surface electrodes on his or her head. Each electrode will be filled with a small amount of conductive gel. Then your child will be asked to name out loud the pictures that he or she is shown from a computer monitor. Your child’s speech will be recorded with a microphone and tape deck or CD recorder. Your child’s name will not be listed on any of the recordings. During the testing, your child may be asked to wear insert earphones and/or a bone-conduction hearing device that may be attached with sticky tape or a headband or it may be supported by soft loops over the ears) through which he or she can hear probe tones and his/her own speech as well as a staff member conducting the study, always at a comfortable loudness level. The entire testing will take place in our testing room and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

For your child’s participation in this study, you will be paid $20 per hour. Your child will also receive a small toy or book.

Participant Eligibility

All Subjects must be:
(a) 4-9 years of age.
(b) native speakers of American English.
(c) have no known neurological or psychological disorders (except for stuttering)
(d) hearing thresholds within normal limits as confirmed by an audiological screening in the PI’s laboratory
(e) no medications with possible sensorimotor side-effects

Specific eligibility criteria for children who stutter include:
(a) confirmation of stuttering by one of the investigators
(b) stuttering onset must have occurred prior to 5 years of age

Contact

Penelope Lilley
(206) 543-3161