Attention, Perception and Language Acquisition (APAL)

Our three active, and somewhat interconnected, research areas are:

1. Speech perception
2. Learning words
3. Language precursors in neurocognitive risk populations.

1. To evaluate and describe early audiovisual speech perception abilities, encompassing not only groups with normal development but also at-risk patient groups, especially preterm infants of various gestational ages, including low-risk groups such as moderate preterm infants.
2. To evaluate patients with neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke with a view to identifying the language development effect at preschool/school stages and their learning abilities. For this line of inquiry, we work closely with Dr A. García-Álix (Neonatology). To follow-up SGA children when they turn eight years to evaluate their cognitive development and school performance (Dr L. Ibáñez, Endocrinology).
3. To develop a new line of research in cochlear implant candidate patients to evaluate pre-implant neurological and cognitive-communicative characteristics and how these relate to post-implant language learning. For this line, we collaborate with Dr Claveria (ENT) and Dr Rebollo (Neuroradiology).

The group has gained expertise in laboratory behavioural techniques used in early childhood to assess different speech perception and language learning abilities . These methods are based on attention measuring and recording eye movements in classical habituation, familiarity and preference experimental procedures. We also use developmental scales and standardised tests to individually assess cognitive, motor and language development. We also use questionnaires for families to evaluate comprehension and expressive language and adaptive behaviour in the family setting.