# Development of Online Tool for Speech-Language Research

> **NIH NIH P20** · FATHER FLANAGAN'S BOYS' HOME · 2022 · $149,920

## Abstract

Speech and language disorders, including severe speech sound disorder (SSD), developmental 
language disorder (DLD), and dyslexia, affect nearly 30% of the population. Despite the high prevalence 
of these disorders, we do not have a clear understanding of the genetic basis of speech, language, and 
reading abilities or disorders. In part, this gap in our understanding is due to the lack of sufficiently large 
samples to conduct robust genetic analyses (e.g., 100,000). We could increase our understanding of 
the genetics by using large research cohorts like 23andMe, All of Us, and the UK Bio Bank. We are 
currently unable take advantage of such cohorts because we lack a quick, reliable, and valid online tool 
capable of measuring speech, language, and reading skills in adults. The overall goal of this proposal is 
to develop an online behavioral data collection tool for speech-language genetics research. We will 
adapt, refine, and pilot test online versions of existing speech, language, and reading measures for 
online testing with adults. The long-term goal is to use this online behavioral tool to examine the 
genetics of speech, language, and reading traits within large pre-existing genetic cohorts to further our 
understanding of the genetics of speech and language traits and disorders. There are three specific 
aims. Specific aim 1 is to adapt and refine speech, language, and reading measures. This aim includes 
modifying existing tools, creating new test items, and obtaining expert and user feedback. Specific aim 2 
will pilot test the online tool in a general population sample (n = 100), examine performance distribution, 
and provide an estimate for convergent validity. Specific aim 3 will pilot test the online tool in a clinical 
sample (n = 60) with SSD, DLD, or dyslexia. We will examine performance in each clinical group, 
demonstrate initial validity, and identify tasks with potential to differentiate between groups.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10400002
- **Project number:** 5P20GM109023-09
- **Recipient organization:** FATHER FLANAGAN'S BOYS' HOME
- **Principal Investigator:** Hope Sparks Lancaster
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $149,920
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-05-15 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10400002

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10400002, Development of Online Tool for Speech-Language Research (5P20GM109023-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10400002. Licensed CC0.

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