Child Development
Research to help children learn, grown and reach their full potential from infancy into adolescence and adulthood.
Experiences and conditions in early childhood has been shown to have disproportionate effects on human development across the entire life span. The Life Span Institute's research in child development is done with the goal to empower parents and practitioners to meet children's earliest developmental and health needs. We hope to ensure all children can reach their potential as they grow through adolescence and adulthood.
Research Highlights
Introducing Investigator Kathryn Bigelow
Associate Research Professor Kathryn Bigelow focuses on early childhood language and social-emotional development, and on the translation of evidence-based interventions for parents, care providers, home visitors, and early intervention providers.
News: DHA and Development
University of Kansas researchers have reported that pregnant women who consumed a supplement of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a nutrient added to U.S. infant formulas since 2002, tend to have children with higher fat-free body mass at 5 years old.
Child Development News
At the Life Span Institute, we improve the quality of people’s lives through research. Explore and share stories you’ll find here about our investigators, students and staff, and the outcomes of our research.
Child Development News
Browse recent news stories and blog posts about our child development research, scientists and studies.
John Colombo one of four Higuchi Award Winners
LAWRENCE — Four faculty members at two Kansas universities were named recipients of the Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards, the state higher education system’s most prestigious recognition for scholarly excellence.
The annual awards are given in four categories of scholarly and creative achievement. This year’s honorees:
Study identifies grammar challenge task with potential to identify language disorder among older children
To help identify Specific Language Impairment (SLI) in children who are beyond their preschool years, researchers at the KU Life Span Institute have evaluated a new, more grammatically challenging language task to aid in diagnosis.
Adding Complex Component of Milk to Infant Formula Confers Long-Term Cognitive Benefits, Study Demonstrates
Five-and-a-half-year-olds whose baby formula had included milk fat globule membranes and lactoferrin (MFGM+LF) went on to perform nearly 5 points higher on IQ tests years after they were weaned.
Program aimed at improving equity in children’s health in Kansas City, Kan.
KU researchers have been awarded a federal grant to improve language and communication skills in underserved communities in Kansas as part of an intervention program shown to be effective in multiple settings.
Professional Development Opportunity for Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Providers or Home Visitors
Researchers seek participants in study on how professional development and coaching can support the implementation of PC Talk intervention to promote language growth with young children.
KU Autism Conference to Feature Research for Families, Professionals, Educators
The Kansas Center for Autism Research and Treatment will host the conference Autism Across the Life Span on April 8 at the KU Edwards Campus BEST Building.
For the first time in two years, the one-day conference will be held in person and will feature six breakout sessions on autism research and programs related to behavioral health, interventions, neuroscience and the transition to adulthood.
New Research Pinpoints Promising Gene Target Specific Language Impairment
LAWRENCE — A study from the University of Kansas recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Sciences identifies a new gene target related to Specific Language Impairment (SLI).
The discovery of BUD13 for future biological investigation of language acquisition holds potential for researchers to better diagnose and understand the communication disorder.
International Report on Autism Offers Comprehensive Model of Autism Care
A new, comprehensive model of autism care and treatment that prioritizes personalized, stepped care approaches is urgently needed, according to a new international report published in The Lancet. The report calls for global coordination to reform research, care, and treatment for autism.
Autism Research That Relies On Preschool Peers Receives Grant To Study Predictive Factors For Communication Development
If you’ve ever witnessed the blur of activity that is a typical preschool-age child, it can be difficult to imagine them as disciplined research partners. For more than 20 years, scientists at KU and elsewhere have studied interventions that pair young children with autism with their peers.
KU collaborative project that will evaluate method to help children’s literacy skills awarded $3.5 million
LAWRENCE – A national team that includes researchers from the University of Kansas has launched a five-year, $3.5 million project to study the efficacy of a language and comprehension program for elementary-age children.