Current
Neural activity related to learning interruptions in children
We are inviting families with children finishing 4th and 7th grade to participate in a pre- and post-summer research study. We are looking to better understand how learning interruptions interact with the developing brain and impact skill (e.g., reading, math) performance.
The first visit is a pre-summer behavioral visit, in which participants will play some computer games and take some paper tests, contribute saliva, and answer questionnaires. If families are eligible and interested, they can come back again for a pre-summer MRI visit in which participants will play computer games and watch part of a movie while inside an MRI scanner. All families are asked to return for a post-summer lab visit to complete more tests, questionnaires, and a second MRI scan (if they helped with the pre-summer MRI). Participants will be compensated $40-50/visit and parents will receive $30/visit for driving and answering questionnaires about their child.
Past
A Longitudal, Multidimensional Study of Executive Functioning in Children with Control Disorders (The EF Study)
We are inviting families with children between the ages of 8-18 years with or without diagnoses of ADHD, Autism, OCD, or Tourette Syndrome to take part in a longitudinal behavioral and MRI study with up to two visits per year. We are looking to better understand similarities and differences in cognitive function and behavior between highly co-morbid developmental disorders of control. If you are the parent or guardian of a child diagnosed with one of the above listed disorders and you wish to learn more about the study or would like your child to participate, please sign up here.
Parent-Child Study of Sleep and Control Disorders
We are conducting a study with children between the ages of 8-15 years along with their parents (and possibly siblings) to explore the relationship between parent and child disorder burden through the lens of sleep and rhythmic activity. We are examining the sleep patterns and general activity level of parent-child dyads over a week by having them wear actigraphy wristbands at home. This project is sponsored by two years of NARSAD funding.
Multimodal Neuroimaging of English language learners
Currently, we are collaborating with the Texas Center for Learning Disabilities (TCLD) to conduct a multicenter project in partnership with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Houston. The TCLD is a NIH grant-funded research center developed to investigate the classification, early intervention, and remediation of learning disabilities (LD). The neuroimaging arm of the TCLD proposes a systematic investigation of different brain profiles that vary with reading, math, and attention difficulties in English-language middle schoolers. Our goal is to evaluate the impact of English fluency on the network connectivity of reading- and math-related brain regions, and the influence of executive control networks on reading and math changes over time. We will approach these investigations using structural and functional MRI images collected from middle school students in Houston, San Antonio, and Hutto, TX. We will also examine the contextual role of socioeconomic status and bilingualism in how children respond to intervention.
Visit TexasLDCenter.org for full details regarding the project
Interested in Participating?
If you would like to participate in one of our studies or if you would like to be added to our database for future recruitment, please contact us.