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.

Our long-term goal is to use this online behavioral tool to examine the genetics of speech, language, and reading traits within 23andMe and All of Us cohorts to further our understanding of the genetics of speech and language disorders. Therefore, we will adapt, refine, and pilot test online versions of existing speech, language, and reading measures. This project is an important step towards developing better models of the etiologies of speech, language, and reading development and disorders.