Brain and Behavioral Changes Over Time in Young Children with Autism
What's the study about?
The Child Mind Institute’s Autism Center is currently recruiting preschoolers with autism or related developmental concerns for a study on early brain and behavior development. The study will include yearly no-cost clinical assessments consisting of parent interviews, as well as play-based language, cognitive, and diagnostic assessments of the child over the course of three years. For the first two years, children will complete a non-invasive brain MRI during their natural sleep. Participating families will be compensated up to $500. Each year families will receive a written summary report detailing the results of testing, any relevant diagnoses, and related treatment recommendations.
Who can participate?
o Age between 16 and 40 months
o Walking independently at the time of study enrollment
o Parent/guardian speaking fluent English
o Prospective participants will be screened for other potential exclusion criteria during a phone screening
What will participants be doing?
The study will include yearly no-cost clinical assessments consisting of parent interviews, as well as play-based language, cognitive, and diagnostic assessments of the child over the course of three years. For the first two years, children will complete a non-invasive brain MRI during their natural sleep.
Why is this important?
We know that the brain changes during development. Understanding what feature of the brain is associated to changes in behavior will provide insights on mechanisms of change that ultimately can lead to better recognition and treatments.