FGCU researcher studying the way infants learn

A researcher at Florida Gulf Coast University is trying to find out if infants that are born preterm are developmentally delayed in matching objects with words, thanks in part to a grant provided by the March of Dimes.

Lakshmi J. Gogate was just awarded the $180,349 grant for the two-year study. She's looking at an infants' ability to learn word-object relations, which could predict later language outcomes. And, if researchers are able to determine this, there could be earlier diagnosis and intervention.

"We've started the pilot already," said Gogate, a psychology professor and developmental psychologist. "It's a longitudinal study. We're looking at the correlation between the way they learn words at six to eight months and the way they

learn to talk. We'll be looking at mothers, too, looking to see how they name objects for their infant. The whole idea is to study the dynamics between mother and infant and how the baby learns."

Gogate said she is hoping to recruit 45 pre-term babies and 45 full-term babies. The babies will be brought to the university at six months and again at a year. The mothers will be observed interacting with the infants. There will be a $10 stipend for participants per visit. Anyone interested in participating should call (239) 590-7655.

Preterm infants are at greater risk for developmental delays in language due to immature sensory and motor systems, according to the March of Dimes. Preterm birth affects half a million babies each year, including 29,287 in Florida. Babies born prematurely are more likely to die or have disabilities.

The March of Dimes is able to fund programs such as Gogate's grant at through fundraising efforts like their annual Signature Chef event, which is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Sanibel Resort Harbour Resort & Spa. Officials are hoping to raise $65,000 through that event which features food from a dozen high-end restaurants. Auctions for a cruise, dinner packages and artwork will also be held at the event. Tickets are $125 a person and can be obtained by calling (239) 433- 3463.

The organization is behind on their annual goal by some $100,000 but officials are hoping to recoup it by meeting the Signature Chef event goal as well as those set for other fundraising events.