# Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-Related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · 2021 · $689,046

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Although the impact of developmental language disorder (DLD), a prevalent preschool disorder, can be
mitigated through evidence-based and early interventions, little is known about the neural basis of DLD,
especially in young children, yet is useful in the design of efficacious treatments. While much of the evidence
has been furnished by studies examining domain-specific processes (language network), domain-general
processes relating memory and language also offer valuable testing ground and present the opportunity to
advance the current knowledge base. The Procedural circuit Deficit Hypothesis (PDH) posits that grammar
deficits are explained by an impairment of procedural memory (rule learning, “knowing how”). This impairment
is associated with structural abnormalities in connections between frontal brain regions and basal ganglia, with
corresponding underactivation and reduced functional connectivity. However, the declarative memory system
(semantic, “knowing what”), supported by cortical and subcortical regions in the temporal lobes, including
hippocampus, is spared, acting as a compensatory mechanism to offset grammar deficits.
 This proposed research will use neuroimaging (functional MRI and diffusion imaging) to describe the
neural basis (functional and structural connectivity) of grammar learning and treatment-related change by way
of the PDH. We will gather critical data regarding grammar learning in preschoolers with DLD before, after, and
following a break in intervention (computer-assisted treatment: DLD treatment; “business as usual”: DLD no
treatment) as part of a randomized controlled trial. We will also include typically developing (TD) peers to
inform development vs disorder. Our central hypothesis is that treatment designed to improve grammar
learning will normalize the procedural learning network in association with increases in language function and
that the degree of improvement may be associated with the underlying neurobiology of baseline grammar
deficits.
 Building on a robust history of recruitment and treatment of preschoolers with DLD, we will enroll 184
preschoolers, 100 with DLD (n=50 treatment; n=50 no treatment controls) and 84 TD. Aim 1 will establish the
relationship between functional and structural connectivity for preschoolers with DLD and their TD peers
between regions in the procedural learning and declarative networks. In Aim 2, we will establish the
neurobiological basis of treatment-related changes in DLD only. We examine potential changes in functional
and structural connectivity between regions of the procedural learning and declarative memory networks, and
investigate whether treatment-related changes occur into the typical range (DLD and TD). To meet our
scientific goals, we pair behavioral tools (traditional grammar tools) with neuroimaging to describe co-occurring
behavioral performance underlying learning and outcome. This research will contribute novel insights into
mechanis...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10374327
- **Project number:** 1R01DC019337-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- **Principal Investigator:** Karla N Washington
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $689,046
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-15 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10374327

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10374327, Neuroimaging Reveals Treatment-Related Changes in DLD: A Randomized Controlled Trial (1R01DC019337-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10374327. Licensed CC0.

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