Assessment of the Development of Social Cognition in a Deaf Child With a Cochlear Implant : A Study Using a Standardized Questionnaire

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age3-6
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse

About this trial

This study investigates the adaptability of a questionnaire assessing social cognition in children with cochlear implants aged 3 to 6 years, implanted before the age of 15 months. The primary objective is to evaluate the comprehensibility and relevance of the questionnaire in this population, considering their specific communication modes and cognitive profiles. By analysing response variability, communication abilities, and social interaction patterns, the study aims to refine the tool for accurate assessment. The findings will contribute to improving evaluation methods for social cognition in young deaf children.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Children aged 3 to 6 years old, who received a cochlear implant before the age of 15 months, who use their implant(s) and have a supportive family environment,

Children with at least one cochlear implant undergoing speech therapy and are being monitored by the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Unit at Toulouse University Hospital,

Children who are able to communicate: through speech, gestures, or French Sign Language,

Children and their family whose mother tongue is French, - Social security coverage.

Disqualifiers

Cognitive or psychological impairment preventing the child from communicating,

Other sensory or motor deficits that may interfere with pointing,

Unstable psychiatric illness,

Child whose parents both benefit from a legal protection measure.

Trial population

The study population consists of children aged 3 to 6 years with congenital severe-to-profound deafness who received a cochlear implant before 15 months of age.

Trial design

Design model

Case-only

Time perspective

Cross-sectional

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Questionnaire comprehension test

    Other intervention

    Participants will complete a standardized questionnaire assessing social cognition, adapted for cochlear-implanted children aged 3 to 6 years. The assessment includes the Item Scale and the Test of Emotions Comprehension adapted and mixed together. The questionnaire evaluates children's ability to understand emotions, social interactions, and cognitive perspective-taking. Each child will complete the test in a single session lasting approximately 20 minutes, under the supervision of a trained investigator, with an orthophonist and a parent present

Treatment groups

6 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment group
Group A: deaf child with a cochlear implant1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Completion Rate of Standardized Social Cognition Questionnaire

The primary outcome measure is the proportion of children who successfully complete all items of the standardized social cognition questionnaire. Success is determined by the child's ability to understand and respond coherently to the questions, demonstrating engagement and cognitive processing related to social interactions and emotions.

Time frame
Assessed during a single study visit (approximately 20-minute session).

Secondary outcomes

1

Communication Ability During Questionnaire Completion

Evaluation of the participant's ability to communicate while completing the questionnaire, including composite criterion with verbal, non-verbal (gestures, facial expressions), and mixed communication strategies. This will help assess whether children can effectively engage with the assessment.

Time frame
Assessed during a single study visit (approximately 20-minute session)
2

Variability of Responses Among Participants

Analysis of differences in questionnaire responses among participants. Variability will be examined based on factors such as age, duration of cochlear implant use, and language proficiency to determine individual differences in social cognition development.

Time frame
Assessed during a single study visit (approximately 20-minute session).
3

Homogeneity of Responses Within the Study Group

Assessment of response consistency across participants. Identifying patterns of similarity in answers will provide insight into shared cognitive and social processing abilities in cochlear-implanted children. High homogeneity could indicate a common understanding of the instructions and uniform accessibility of the questionnaire. Conversely, marked heterogeneity could reveal differences in the cognitive strategies used or in the interpretation of the items, requiring adaptation of the questionnaire.

Time frame
Assessed during a single study visit (approximately 20-minute session).
4

Identification of Social Skills Demonstrated During the Assessment

Observation and analysis of social behaviors exhibited by participants during the questionnaire session. This is a composite criterion who includes joint attention, emotional regulation, and perspective-taking, providing insight into their social cognitive abilities.

Time frame
Assessed during a single study visit (approximately 20-minute session).

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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