Speech & Language Pathology Clinical Research

Purpose of the study

The goal of the Biology of Language Study (BLS) is to examine how genes affect language skills and how they are transmitted through families.

The purpose of this research study is to identify and localize the genes that influence language difficulties as well as understand the impact that language difficulties have on other areas of cognition.

Who can participate?

Everyone in the family can help us should your family meet eligibility requirements. Everyone, no matter if they have language problems or not, will help us learn about language.

We are inviting all family members to participate by joining the study. Family members with or without symptoms of language difficulties are also invited to participate because they provide useful information for understanding how genes are involved in the expression of language difficulties.

What will happen during the study?

Participants will have to complete a telephone background interview, psychometric assessments, and will be asked to give a sample of saliva.

Time invested will vary between 2-6 hours and all research can be conducted in your home and at your convenience.

Study participation will not interfere with participant’s medical care. All testing is free of charge and no medical treatment is offered.

You will be able to receive standard results from the psychometric assessments administered to your family which can be useful for helping to understand the strengths a person has that can be better developed.

You will also be compensated for your time with gift cards and monetary payments.

Who to contact:

Maggie Beard, Project Director, at 1-800-678-6494 or bls@osu.edu.