Consolidation of Word Learning
We are developing a study to investigate memory consolidation in people with and without language learning disorders. We hope to determine whether sleep plays a role in consolidating memory for words.

The project will lead to new information about the effects of sleep on word learning, as well as create the basis for more research in the future involving impaired populations.

Subject recruitment of adults, ages 18-25 years, is ongoing.

Toddlers' Use of Gestural Cues in Language Acquisition
We are currently conducting a study that investigates the use of gestural cues in language acquisition of toddlers who are late to talk and toddlers who are on schedule. We are specifically interested in the way children pay attention gaze, point, touch and manipulate as cues to word learning. After teaching novel words with these cues, experimenters test production and comprehension of the words.

By comparing performance of these tests across cue type and between groups we hope to determine the most successful cue type, as well as distinguish the learning differences between late talkers and toddlers whose language development is on target.

This study is ongoing, and will be extending through at least 2009.