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Contact Information:

Dr Laura Boundy
laura.boundy@york.ac.uk


Prof Tamar Keren-Portnoy
tamar.keren-portnoy@york.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - A UK study exploring whether the BabblePlay app can support early vocalising in infants with Down syndrome
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A UK study exploring whether the BabblePlay app can support early vocalising in infants with Down syndrome

Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Child

York

Medical Conditions

Down syndrome

This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


Infants with Down syndrome are at increased risk of delays in speech and language development and typically produce fewer early vocalisations compared to typically developing infants. Early vocalisations (such as babbling) are an important foundation for later spoken language. Previous research suggests that early interventions which encourage these vocal behaviours may lead to improved later language outcomes.
BabblePlay is a novel, app-based intervention designed to encourage infants to vocalise by providing immediate, contingent, visual feedback. When the infant makes a vocal sound, the app responds with colourful, moving shapes on the screen; if the infant is quiet, the screen remains black. A pilot study demonstrated that infants vocalised at a higher rate while using BabblePlay over one week compared to using a mirror, suggesting that they were able to engage with and use the app. A feasibility study also found that the app was acceptable to families and could be used consistently for up to 6 weeks.
The current study aims to assess whether BabblePlay, when used for 6 weeks, leads to: 1) an increase in infant vocalisations outside of the context of app use (i.e. in every day life), 2) an increase in the amount of caregiver vocal input to their infants 3) an increase in infants’ word production 11-months later

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

24 Sep 2025 30 Dec 2026

Participation in the study is fully remote, questionnaires are completed online and any required equipment is posted to families to be used at home.
After providing informed consent, eligible families complete baseline assessments. This includes online questionnaires about their child's health and demographic information, the Vineland-3 questionnaire, a short questionnaire on babble production and the UK Communicative Development Inventory (UK-CDI). Families also complete a home audio recording of up to 15 hours.
Infants are then randomly allocated to one of two groups:
Intervention group: Infants use the BabblePlay app with their caregiver twice daily, 5 minutes per session, for 6 weeks. Control group: Infants continue with their usual practice for 6 weeks.
All families complete another 15-hour home audio recording immediately after the 6-week activity period and a final home audio recording 4 weeks later. Approximately 11 months after the 6-week activity period, caregivers will be asked to complete the UK-CDI again to assess their child's language comprehension and production.


Participants will be UK-based families with an infant who has a confirmed diagnosis of Down syndrome. Infants must be aged between 7 and 15 months at the point of randomisation.
Infants also need to be from a monolingual, English-speaking household and have vision good enough to see shapes on a screen.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. Infant does not meet the diagnosis, age, language exposure, or residency requirements listed above2. Infant has visual difficulties that would prevent them from seeing shapes on the iPad screen3. Infant is currently participating in another speech, language, or communication intervention research study


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • The University of York
    Heslington
    York
    YO10 5DD

Possible benefits:
The benefits of the BabblePlay app are not yet known. Infants in the intervention group may enjoy interacting with the app and practising vocal sounds. Families in both groups will contribute to research aimed at supporting early language development in infants with Down syndrome, which some families may find rewarding.
Possible risks:
There are minimal risks associated with participation. Some infants may not enjoy using the app or may become frustrated, if this occurs caregivers can stop or pause activities at any time. The intervention also involves brief screen exposure (approximately 5 minutes, twice a day for 6 weeks). This is not expected to have negative effects on children’s language or cognitive development.

Prof Tamar Keren-Portnoy
tamar.keren-portnoy@york.ac.uk


Dr Laura Boundy
laura.boundy@york.ac.uk



The study is sponsored by University of York and funded by UK Research and Innovation.



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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN12366576
Last updated 12 January 2026

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