Thank you for your interest in learning more about the research conducted at Kennedy Krieger's Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research. As leaders in the fields of neuropsychology, neuroscience, and pediatric development, we strive to further our understanding of neurobehavioral processes that contribute to cognitive, emotional, and motor challenges in neurodivergent children and adolescents, and to use that knowledge to pioneer cutting-edge interventions that address these challenges and improve outcomes.

If you want like to learn more about our research studies, gain access to resources, and/or participate in an ongoing study, please fill out the information below.

Thank you for exploring research opportunities with Kennedy Krieger's Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research. Our Center investigates neurodevelopmental differences associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and learning disorders in an effort to improve clinical practices.

Below is a list of research studies that are actively enrolling volunteers. Please indicate which research studies you and/or your child are interested in joining and complete the following form.

Once you submit the form, a member of our research team will contact you to schedule a screening call to determine whether you and/or your child are eligible to join.

For additional information, please contact Alyssa DeRonda at Deronda@kennedykrieger.org.

Children ages 8-12 years old

ADHD and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (IRB00251063): This research study investigates neural biomarkers (specific electrical signals in the motor area of the brain that control muscle movement and movement planning) associated with attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Participation in this study requires two full day appointments (typically 8:30am-3:30pm). During the research appointments, participants complete IQ and achievement assessments, questionnaires about their mood and behavior, computer games that assess cognitive functioning, movement activities that assess balance and coordination, and two 2-hour sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Participants receive a $50 gift card at the end of each research appointment. Parents will receive a summary of their child's performance on the IQ and achievement assessments at the end of the study.

Optional Component #1: Xbox Kinect Imitation Game. Participants can elect to complete two 30-minute sessions of an imitation game, two additional movement activities, and two additional questionnaires. The imitation game requires participants to watch an avatar on a TV screen and copy its movements. Xbox Kinect cameras capture 2D and 3D video of the participant copying the movements. Participants receive an additional $50 gift card when they complete both 30-minute sessions.

Optional Component #2: Scan Your Brain. Participants can elect to complete a 1-hour magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. During the MRI scan, participants watch a movie for 45 minutes and watch a plus sign for 10 minutes; meanwhile, our staff collect anatomical images and measure activity levels in different regions of the brain. The MRI scan does not involve invasive techniques or use contrast. Participants receive a picture of their brain and parents receive a radiology report reviewed by a pediatric neurologist.

Optional Component #3 (Participants with ADHD Only): Understanding How Medication Effects Motor Control. Participants with ADHD can elect to complete an additional research appointment (typically 8:30am-3:30pm) that includes two additional sessions of TMS and taking a low dose (10 mg) of methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin). The purpose of this component is to assess the impact of stimulant medication on motor control. Participants complete all achievement testing, computer games, and movement activities during their first appointment. During their second and third appointments, participants complete a 2-hour TMS session in the morning, take either a placebo (sugar pill) or methylphenidate during lunch, and complete a 2-hour TMS session in the afternoon. Children already taking stimulant medication withhold their medication on their appointment days. Participants with ADHD who elect to complete the medication component receive an additional $50 gift card.

Sleep Patterns and Brain Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (IRB00146732; Compensation: $125 total): This study examines sleep patterns and brain function in children with ASD and/or ADHD, using brain imaging, an actigraphy wristband, and DNA analysis.

Brain Imaging: During an in-person visit, your child will complete a 30-minute practice Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to allow them time to become comfortable inside the scanner and practice staying still. Then, your child will complete a 60-minute MRI scan, during which will watch a movie or YouTube video of their choice. No contrast or radiation is used during the MRI scan. Your child will get a picture of their brain to take home and you will be mailed a radiology report. To be eligible for the MRI, children cannot have braces, metal dental work, or metal plates or screws in their body.
Actigraphy Band: Sleep will be examined using an actigraphy wristband, similar to a FitBit, that examines light exposure and activity levels throughout the day and night. Your child will wear the actigraphy wristband for two weeks and they (or a caregiver) will press a button before they go to bed and when they wake up. Additionally, you and your child will fill out a sleep diary during the two-week period with questions about your child's sleep routine. You will be provided with pre-paid packaging to mail back the actigraphy wristband and sleep diary.
DNA Collection: In collaboration with SPARK for Autism, we are conducting saliva collections to explore links between sleep, brain development, and DNA markers. This involves your child providing a saliva sample using one of our saliva collection tubes and absorbent sponge sticks. If you've already participated in SPARK, this part of the study will not be completed.

Dance Imitation Game Assessing Motor Development and Visual-Motor Integration in Children with Autism (IRB00146732; Compensation: $50/visit): This research study investigates how children with autism spectrum disorders perceive and learn social and adaptive movements, especially movements related to social interactions and functional skills. Participation in this study requires two half-day appointments. During the research appointment, participants complete IQ and achievement assessments, questionnaires about their mood and behavior, computer games that assess memory and muscle control, and movement activities that assess balance and coordination. Participants will also complete two 30-minute sessions of an imitation game; the imitation game requires participants to watch an avatar on a TV screen and copy its movements. Xbox Kinect cameras capture 2D and 3D video of the participant copying the movements. Parents receive a summary of their child's performance on the IQ and achievement assessments.

Online Reading and Language Intervention (IRB00207805; Compensation: Up to $180 total): This research study investigates a novel online reading program developed by researchers that is intended to target specific skills needed for reading and language development. Participation requires a 2-hour virtual appointment and a 4-hour research appointment before the start of the reading program and at the conclusion of the reading program. During the research appointments, participants complete reading, language, and math assessments, executive functioning tasks, a computer game, and a 1-hour magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. During the MRI scan, participants complete a reading and math activity using response buttons to answer questions displayed on a screen, and our staff collect anatomical images and measure activity levels in different regions of the brain. The MRI scan does not involve invasive techniques or use contrast. The 8-week online reading program requires participants to complete 20-minute training sessions three times per week. Participants will receive $150 for completing two virtual appointments and two in-person appointments with MRI scans. Additionally, participants will receive $12 for completing all the online training modules.

Children ages 12-17 Years Old

Understanding the Relationship between ADHD and Adolescent Difficulties (IRB00064633): This research study investigates cognitive changes and socioemotional outcomes in teenagers with attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD). We are offering four ways for families to participate to accommodate busy schedules.

Option 1: Questionnaires at home. Participants complete questionnaires and rating scales about their mood, school environment, friendships, and activities from the comfort of home. A researcher will send an email with a consent form for parents and teenagers to review and sign and links to the questionnaires. Once the consent form is signed and returned, and the questionnaires are complete, participants receive a $25 gift card.

Option 2: Virtual Visit Only. Participants can elect to complete either a 1-hour or 4-hour virtual research visit with a member of our study team. The 1-hour virtual visit will include a brief interview and questionnaires. The 4-hour virtual visit will include a brief interview, questionnaires, and an IQ assessment. Participants who complete the 1-hour virtual visit will receive a $25 gift card. Teenagers who complete the 4-hour virtual visit will receive a $50 gift card and a summary of their performance on the IQ assessment. (The IQ report will be provided directly to the parent/guardian.)

Option 3: Research Appointment at our Center. Families who are able to volunteer time during the week (during or after school) can elect to participate in a longer, in-person research appointment. Participants will complete a full IQ assessment and acheivement testing (including reading, math, and spelling), computer games, and movement activities assessing balance and coordination. Eligible participants can also complete a 1-hour magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and/or a 90-minute electroencephalogram (EEG) session. Participants will receive $50 gift card and additional earnings from computer games. Parents will receive a summary of their child's performance on the IQ and achievement assessments and a radiology report (if their child participates in the MRI scan).

Adults ages 18-40 Years Old

Xbox Kinect Motion Capture Technology Improving Autism Diagnosis (IRB00269589): This research study investigates the reliability of a 3D and 2D motion-capture technique, called CAMI. The technology was developed with the goal of using movement-based markers to improve the ability to diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participation in this study requires two 2-hour visits to our Center. Participants complete several questionnaires about mood, behavior, and health, two 15-minute imitation game sessions using CAMI, two motor integration and production tasks, and a brief IQ assessment. The imitation game requires participants to watch an avatar on a TV screen and copy its movements. Xbox Kinect cameras capture 2D and 3D video of the participant imitating the body movements. Participants receive $25 at the end of each research visit.

Social Interaction Perception in Adults with and without Autism (IRB00309464): This research study investigates the neural basis of social interaction perception in controlled and naturalistic contexts and how it differs between adults with and without autism. Participation requires one 4-hour visit to our Center. During the research visit, participants complete a brief IQ assessment, questionnaires and rating scales about their mood, behavior, and health, a 2-hour magnetic resonacne imaging (MRI) scan during which they watch an episode of "Sherlock", and a recall task. Participants receive a $120 gift card at the end of their research visit.

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Understanding the Relationship Between ADHD and Adolescent Difficulties (IRB00064633)

Tourette Syndrome and Motor Regulation (Not Actively Recruiting)

ADHD and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (IRB00251063)

The Presence of Glutathione and Autism Spectrum Disorder (Not Actively Recruiting)

Motor Learning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (IRB00146732)

Online Reading and Language Intervention (IRB00207805)

Xbox Kinect Motion Capture Technology Improving Autism Diagnosis (IRB00269589)

High Resolution Imaging of Cerebellum (IRB00252342)

Social Interaction Perception in Adults with and without Autism (IRB00309464)

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