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NCT Number: NCT07285720

Phonological Constraints on Language Development in Individuals With Williams Syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability and an extremely heterogeneous cognitive profile. Research has outlined two main features of WS: an atypical social behavior associated with surprising language abilities, and a hyperacusis. The purpose of this project is to investigate the relationships between both these abilities, and particularly the role of the hyperacusis on language abilities. The hyperacusis would be crucial in developing language skills: the apparent strength in the verbal domain could rely on Phonological Short Term Memory (PSTM) more in individuals with WS than in typically developing individuals. In addition, the investigators will compare individuals with WS to individuals with Down syndrome (DS): DS is often associated to strong limitations in the PSTM with poor language abilities. To this end, the investigators will use a highly innovative approach including physiological assessments (EEG-NIRS protocol) and questionnaires. The performance of people with WS will be compared to those of participants with DS and TD participants of same DA and cognitive assessments.

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Key information

Conditions

Williams Syndrome Aortic Stenosis, Supravalvular Aortic Valve Disease Aortic Valve Stenosis Behavior Cardiovascular Diseases Chromosome Disorders Communication Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities EEG-NIRS Genetic Diseases, Inborn Heart Diseases Heart Valve Diseases Intellectual Disability Language Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Phonological Short-Term Memory

Age range

6 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • For SW and SD: genetic diagnosis and aged between 6- and 17 years old.
  • For typical participants: any child, adolescent or young adult of the same developmental or chronological age (between 6 and 17 years of age)
  • adult group (between 20 and 60 years).

Exclusion criteria

  • Autistic Associated Disorders,
  • West syndrome

Treatment and study plan

EEG-NIRS protocol

Other

Each participant will be tested individually in a quiet room at the GRAMFC (Groupe de Recherches sur l'Analyse Multimodale de la Fonction Cérébrale, INSERM-UMR1105, Université Picardie Jules Verne and CHU Amiens-Picardie). Duration of subject's participation in the study is 120 minutes

Questionnaire

Other

Each participant will be tested individually in a quiet room at the GRAMFC (Groupe de Recherches sur l'Analyse Multimodale de la Fonction Cérébrale, INSERM-UMR1105, Université Picardie Jules Verne and CHU Amiens-Picardie). Duration of subject's participation in the study is 120 minutes

Primary outcomes

  1. questionnaire score of patients with WS caracterisation

    Time frame: 2 years

    questionnaire score for cognitive profile of patients with WS caracterisation

Secondary outcomes

  1. Impact of hyperacusis on questionnaire score

    Time frame: 2 years

    Impact of hyperacusis on questionnaire score

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Fabrice Wallois, Pr

CONTACT

[email protected]

33+3 22 08 77 75

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Other

Registry information

Acronym: SOUNDS

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 16, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 16, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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