PAEDIATRIC LANGUAGE, LEARNING, & SPEECH OUTCOMES LAB
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO OUR LAB
The PedLLS Outcomes Lab at the University of Toronto is led by Dr. Karla N Washington, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and board-certified specialist in child language development and disorders. We conduct clinical research projects related to the developing child's language, speech, and functional commuincation across monolingual and multilingual contexts
Dr. Karla N Washington, Principal Investigator, Lab Director
Canada Research Chair (CIHR, Tier 2)
MISSION AND VISION
Our mission in PedLLS Outcomes Lab is to understand how speech and language production development differs in multilingual versus monolingual learners by using :
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Neuroimaging Techniques
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Behavioural Methods
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Acoustic Methods
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Art-Based Methods
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Culturally Responsive Tools
We welcome MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral students to join our research. Team members develop valuable skills in data analysis, knowledge translation, and clinical application.
WORDS FROM OUR STUDENTS
IN JAMAICA
My placement in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the SLP program, was an incredible opportunity to conduct speech, language, and hearing assessments with preschool children for the Jamaican-Creole Language Project. This experience not only broadened my perspective on the field but also deepened my understanding of how cultural and linguistic differences can shape speech and language development.
Havane Emik, MHSc Student
LATEST NEWS
A brief summary of our recent projects
PedLLS Lab Director Dr. Karla N. Washington Featured in
Writes & Kulcha
PedLLS Lab Celebrates Nicole Bazzocchi’s Outstanding Achievement
PedLLS Lab Celebrates Outstanding Achievements
Online Magazine
PedLLS Lab Director Dr. Karla N. Washington was recently featured in the Writes & Kulcha cover story, “The Science of Patois: Dr. Karla N. Washington Is Reshaping Global Language Studies.”
The article highlights her research on language, identity, and culture, including her work challenging the misdiagnosis of multilingual children.
RSI Research Day
A massive congratulations to our incredible PedLLS Lab Research Services Coordinator and PhD Candidate, Nicole Bazzocchi, who has been awarded the ICDR International Research Award, as well as the Oral Presentation (3-Minute Talk) Award at RSI Research Day on May 26, 2026.
The ICDR International Research Award recognizes Nicole’s outstanding research contributions, while the Oral Presentation Award celebrates her strong 3-minute talk at RSI Research Day. These achievements highlight Nicole’s dedication, excellence, and meaningful contributions to research.
We are so proud to celebrate this exciting accomplishment!
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
A massive congratulations to our incredible PedLLS Lab Director and Principal Investigator, Dr. Karla N. Washington, on receiving the 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence in an Academic Course! Your dedication, leadership, and passion for teaching continue to inspire everyone around you.
We also extend a big round of applause to Nicole Bazzocchi, PedLLS Lab Manager, for earning the RSI Conference Participation Award, the Polatajko-Howell Student Conference Fund, and for having her paper selected for the Media Award in Speech, Language, and Hearing. These outstanding achievements reflect the excellence, commitment, and impact of our team.