Development of language functional networks: a resting-state neuroimaging approach

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Speech processing and language development play a crucial role in the development of social skills and most cognitive functions. However, development of language brain networks and the underlying developmental mechanisms remain unclear. Many challenges are associated with the study of language development in young children due to methodological limitations of most brain imaging techniques. For instance, most techniques require the participant to stay motionless and to perform a language task during recording the brain activity, which is not possible in young children. In this research program, our objective is to better understand brain networks associated with language development by using sophisticated child-friendly imaging techniques, namely optical imaging, or NIRS, and electrophysiology, or EEG. Expressive (what we say) and receptive (what we hear and understand) language development will be investigated. In a first study, we will confirm expressive language brain networks across ages, from childhood (as early as 3 years of age) through early adulthood. In a subsequent study, we aim to characterize speech processing cerebral networks in infancy and early childhood, studying healthy children aged from 0 to 36 months. Finally, in a third study, we will investigate potential brain reorganization of language networks in children with epilepsy. This study will bring new information on brain plasticity and aberrant network of language functions. In the three proposed studies, we will use a resting-state functional connectivity approach that allows to measure cerebral activity while the participant is resting, without the need of using a stimulation or a task. By using this innovative approach and the NIRS-EEG techniques, we will overcome the methodological limitations of other techniques for studying language in infants and children. Overall, the proposed research program will give a better understanding of developmental patterns of language cerebral networks, which can greatly influence social and cognitive development of healthy and challenged children, and will provide reliable and objective tools to investigate speech processing and language functioning in infants and young children since it does not require an active subject participation.