Participate in Research Studies

Longitudinal ADHD Research Study for Adolescents Ages 12-17 years old

Study Name: Adolescent Changes in Brain and Behavior in Boys and Girls with ADHD

Description:  This research study is being done to learn more about response control and anatomical brain differences in adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, with and without ADHD. This research study will help to evaluate brain development and functional outcomes over the course of childhood and adolescence. The study takes place over two days, from about 8:45am – 3:45pm, with an hour break for lunch. The testing is completed at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore City, 716 North Broadway, 3rd Floor. During the first visit, participants will receive an IQ test, participate in a semi-structured interview, and complete computer games. During the second visit, participants will complete motor testing, a 60-minute MRI scan, and a 90-minute electroencephalogram (EEG). Parents will complete a 1-2-hour semi-structured interview. No radiation or dyes are used, only magnets. For their participation, children will receive a check for $50.00 per day of study participation; they will also receive a picture of their brain if they are able to complete the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation report on the IQ and achievement test results of their child. There is no charge to participate in the study.

Understanding Motor Movement in Children With and Without ADHD

Study Name: Anomalous Motor System Physiology in ADHD: Biomarker Validation and Modeling Domains of Function

Description: Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) largely relies on subjective rating scales that neglect physiological differences between children with and without ADHD. The goal of this study is to identify and validate brain-based physiological biomarkers that can be used like measurements of ADHD and help improve treatment.

This study requires 2 or 3 full day visits, from about 8:45am-3:45pm, to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD. During the research visit, participants will complete an IQ assessment, motor assessments, computer games, and two 2-hour transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) sessions. Participants with ADHD will also receive either a placebo or methylphenidate before one of the TMS sessions.

Participants will receive a check 4-6 weeks after their last research visit in the amount of $50 per day. Parents will receive an evaluation summary of their child's performance on the IQ assessment. This is no cost for participating in the study.

Identifying Biomarkers for Autism – A Research Study for Children Ages 8-12 years old

Study Name: Measuring Altered Glutathione in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Recent research suggests that oxidative stress from both genetic and environmental causes may be a contributing factor in the developmental brain differences observed between children with and without ASD. Glutathione (GSH) is the main compound in the brain that decreases oxidative stress. The goal of this research study is to investigate whether children with ASD have lower levels of GSH using neuroimaging (MRI scan) techniques and blood samples, and whether levels of GSH are associated with ASD symptoms. This study requires a full day visit, about 8:45am-3:45pm, to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, East Baltimore Campus, 716 North Broadway, 3rd Floor. During the research visit, participants will complete an IQ assessment, a diagnostic assessment (participants with ASD only), motor assessments, a 30-minute practice MRI scan, a 60-minute MRI scan, and a blood draw. Participants will receive a check 4-6 weeks after their research visit in the amount of $50, and a picture of their brain from the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation summary of their child's performance on the IQ assessment. This is no cost for participating in the study.

Children between the ages of 8-12 years old, with and without ASD may be eligible to participate. Children with a history of fragile X syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, PKU, congenital rubella, traumatic brain injury, major depression, bipolar disorder, and/or conduct disorder may not be eligible to participate. Parents will need to complete a 10-minute telephone screening and 1-2-hour diagnostic interview over the phone to determine if their child is eligible for scheduling. Additionally, participants with ASD will need to meet research criteria for ASD on the diagnostic assessment administered in the morning of the research visit in order to be eligible to proceed.

Understanding Sensory Differences in Children with and Without Autism Ages 8-12 Years Old

Study Name: Dysfunction of Sensory Inhibition in Autism

Description: We have an opportunity for children ages 8-12 to participate in brain research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. We are investigating differences in sensory processing and the brain’s structure and function in children with and without ASD. This process includes eligibility screening via parent phone interview, computer games, paper & pencil tasks, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. You will receive a free IQ assessment and a picture of your child’s brain.

Participants will receive a check 4-6 weeks after their research visit in the amount of $50, and a picture of their brain from the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation summary of their child's performance on the IQ assessment. This is no cost for participating in the study.

Developing New Diagnostic Tools for Autism

Study Name:  Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI): Advancing the Validity, Scalability and Neurophysiology of a Promising Phenotypic Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: This research study investigates a new method of identifying biomarkers of Autism known as the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI). The CAMI method uses 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras to identify and quantify motor imitation deficits. We are recruiting girls and boys with and without Autism. This process includes an eligibility screening over the phone, a diagnostic interview, computer games, paper & pencil tasks, and a dance imitation game using 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras. The study requires two half-day visits to the East Baltimore campus. For your participation, you will receive $25 per visit.

Developing New Diagnostic Tools for Autism – Research Opportunity for Adults With and Without Autism Ages 18-40 Years Old

Study Name:  Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI): Advancing the Validity, Scalability and Neurophysiology of a Promising Phenotypic Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: This research study investigates a new method of identifying biomarkers of Autism known as the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI). The CAMI method uses 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras to identify and quantify motor imitation deficits. We are recruiting girls and boys with and without Autism. This process includes an eligibility screening over the phone, a diagnostic interview, computer games, paper & pencil tasks, and a dance imitation game using 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras. The study requires two half-day visits to the East Baltimore campus. For your participation, you will receive $25 per visit.

Participate in Brain Research on High Functioning Autism

Description: We are recruiting children to participate in a research study to learn if there are differences between the brain’s connections in children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)

WHO: Girls and boys with ASDs and children who do not have ASDs to participate as “comparison subjects”

WHAT: Eligibility screening via parent phone interview, questionnaires completed by parent and school teachers, 2 days of computer games, paper & pencil tasks and an Electroencephalogram (EEG) test, IQ testing and report. Will require about 1 ½ days or 12 hours to complete all activities.

WHERE: Kennedy Krieger Institute

BENEFIT: There is no significant risk or direct medical benefit for participating in this study.

COMPENSATION: $25.00 gift certificate

Social Communication Intervention for Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Name: Do you have a child 18 to 33 months old with autism spectrum disorder?

Description: Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are studying whether there are differences between in-person and virtually delivered social communication intervention for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder.

This study includes: 

• Questionnaires about your child and you
• Developmental assessments
• Random assignment to either virtual or in-person intervention sessions
• No significant risks associated with participation

If eligible, families will receive:

• Intervention for 12 weeks
• Information about your child's development
• $50 after study completion

The Early Assessment of Language Markers in Infant Siblings Study

Study Name: Do you have a baby under 6 months old?

Description: Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are studying how infants learn language early in life. By learning more about your child's development, we hope to improve ways to identify children who may benefit most from early intervention.

This study includes: 

• Developmental Assessment s
• Hearing screening
• Non-invasive EEG
• Questionnaires about you and your child

...when your baby is 6 and 12 months

If eligible, families will receive:

• $45 after completed assessments
• Developmental feedback
• Referral for a formal clinical evaluation if concerns are identified during research assessments

To explore how individual members of the family are affected by caregiver burden when providing care for a child with special needs.

Description: The outcome of this study would provide targeted counseling approaches and respite for family members of children with special needs based on identified areas of burden.

Research Opportunity for Children and Adults with Cerebral Palsy and/or Caregivers

Study name: Children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and/or their caregivers are needed to participate in a research study.

Description: This research is being done to find risk factors for chronic pain in people with cerebral palsy (CP).  We are also looking at the effects of pain on function, independence and quality of life in people with CP. People will be asked to complete online questionnaires at your convenience.

Participants will be emailed links to online questionnaires that will take 30 – 60 minutes to complete. The questions will be about medical diagnoses, quality of life and other factors that might influence pain.  Participants will receive $10 for completing all questionnaires.

Join the BRAINY Research Study:  Help us learn more about recovery from concussion.

Description: We are recruiting children with a concussion and children who have never had a concussion, as uninjured comparisons, to participate in a research study to learn about recovery from a concussion.

WHAT: Online: Child will complete thinking tests and a motor task. Parent will complete questionnaires sent via email link. Online visits last 1-2 hours.

In-person: Child will complete thinking and motor tasks and will have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI – no radiation) scans. Parent will complete questionnaires via iPad. In-person visits last 3-5 hours.

For concussed participants, the first visit will occur soon after the child has recovered from concussion. For all participants, the second and third visits will be 3 and 12 months after the first visit and each visit can be online or in-person. Monthly surveys will be completed between visits.

WHERE: Online: Zoom.

In-person: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD.

BENEFIT: There are no significant risks or direct medical benefits for participating in this study. COMPENSATION: $75.00 gift card for each in-person visit. $50.00 gift card for each online visit. $10.00 gift card for each MRI completed (in-person visits only). $5.00 gift cards for completion of monthly questionnaires.

Computerized Reading Intervention Research Study

Study Name: The Role of Executive Functions in Reading and Reading Remediation

Description: We are recruiting children who are 8-12 years old with and without a reading disability to examine the effects of a computerized reading remediation program.

Participation will include 4.5 hours of cognitive testing (3 hours of remote virtual testing, 1.5 hours of in-person testing) and a 1-hr magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your child’s brain. Once this initial testing is complete, participants will complete either a reading or mathematics on-line intervention program. The intervention program requires 20-30 minutes of training three (3) times a week over an 8-week period.  Once the training program is complete, participants will repeat another 4.5 hours of cognitive testing and a 1-hr MRI scan to examine changes in cognitive performance and brain activity. Participants who complete the mathematics program will have the opportunity to complete the reading intervention program at the end of their study participation. Participants will be compensations for their participation in this study.

Recruiting children with sickle cell disease under 5 years of age.

Description: Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins Hospital are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study on neurodevelopment in young children with sickle cell disease.

To participate in the study, your child must:

• Be under 5 years of age
• Have a diagnosis of sickle cell disease
• Be willing to have a neurodevelopmental evaluation.

This study involves 3 study visits involving:

• History and neurological examination
• Neuropsychological testing
• MRI of the brain
• Blood sample completed at one of the visits above

After the 3 visits above, this study may require annual visits until age 5, including neurological exam and blood sample collection. At their final visit at age 5, this study will require neurological examination, neuropsychological testing, MRI of the brain, and blood sample collection.  Participations will receive compensation .

Are you interested in a study on hearing loss and dizziness?

Description: Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins Hospital are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study on hearing loss and dizziness.

To participate in the study, you must:

• Be between the ages of 18 to 80 years
• May or may not have a diagnosis of sickle cell disease

This study involves:

• Short survey
• Neurological examination
• Hearing and dizziness testing

Compensation provided.

Are You/Your Child Still Struggling with Schizophrenia?

Description: Join a Clinical Research Study. For adolescents 12 to 16 years old diagnosed with schizophrenia

Seven visits conveniently scheduled at Kennedy Krieger Institute over 10 weeks

Each visit lasts from 2 to 3 hours

There is compensation for time and travel for each visit

The purpose of the study is to determine if study drug Na-Ben (sodium benzoate), added on to existing treatment, is safe and effective.

Online Research Opportunity ages 12 – 36 months

Description: Child development researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are studying a new social communication screening tool for children ages 12-36 months.

What is involved?

• Brief online questionnaire about your family (15 minutes)
• Online developmental screeners (approximately one hour)
• Telehealth developmental assessment with you and your child, and feedback with a developmental specialist.

What is your stomach saying to your brain?

Description: Healthy volunteers are needed for a research study on how stomach activity and brain activity are related. Stomach activity is monitored using electrodes placed on the skin of the abdomen; brain activity is monitored using MRI.

Who: Healthy adults, age 18-49.

Where: F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging at Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N Broadway, Baltimore MD.

When: About one-and-a-half hours on each of two mornings (close together). Before one morning, you will be asked to fast overnight (no food after dinner).

What: You will receive $50 compensation on conclusion of second scan.

Take Part in Brain Research

Description:  ATTENTION: PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGES 8 TO 12: We are recruiting children to participate in an MRI research study to learn if there are differences between the brain’s structure and its function in children with and without Tourette Syndrome (TS).

WHO: Children with Tourette Syndrome and typically developing children

WHAT: Two days consisting of computer games, paper & pencil tasks, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. IQ testing and report and a picture of your child’s brain!

WHERE: Kennedy Krieger Institute

BENEFIT: There are no significant risks or direct medical

benefits for participating in this study.

COMPENSATION: $50.00 PER DAY OF STUDY PARTICIPATION

Computerized Reading Intervention Research Study

Study Name: The Role of Executive Functions in Reading and Reading Remediation

Description: We are recruiting children who are 8-12 years old with and without a reading disability to examine the effects of a computerized reading remediation program.

Participation will include 4.5 hours of cognitive testing (3 hours of remote virtual testing, 1.5 hours of in-person testing) and a 1-hr magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your child’s brain. Once this initial testing is complete, participants will complete either a reading or mathematics on-line intervention program. The intervention program requires 20-30 minutes of training three (3) times a week over an 8-week period.  Once the training program is complete, participants will repeat another 4.5 hours of cognitive testing and a 1-hr MRI scan to examine changes in cognitive performance and brain activity. Participants who complete the mathematics program will have the opportunity to complete the reading intervention program at the end of their study participation. Participants will be compensations for their participation in this study.

Developing New Diagnostic Tools for Autism

Study Name:  Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI): Advancing the Validity, Scalability and Neurophysiology of a Promising Phenotypic Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: This research study investigates a new method of identifying biomarkers of Autism known as the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI). The CAMI method uses 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras to identify and quantify motor imitation deficits. We are recruiting girls and boys with and without Autism. This process includes an eligibility screening over the phone, a diagnostic interview, computer games, paper & pencil tasks, and a dance imitation game using 2D and 3D motion-capture cameras. The study requires two half-day visits to the East Baltimore campus. For your participation, you will receive $25 per visit.

Identifying Biomarkers for Autism – A Research Study for Children Ages 8-12 years old

Study Name: Measuring Altered Glutathione in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Recent research suggests that oxidative stress from both genetic and environmental causes may be a contributing factor in the developmental brain differences observed between children with and without ASD. Glutathione (GSH) is the main compound in the brain that decreases oxidative stress. The goal of this research study is to investigate whether children with ASD have lower levels of GSH using neuroimaging (MRI scan) techniques and blood samples, and whether levels of GSH are associated with ASD symptoms. This study requires a full day visit, about 8:45am-3:45pm, to the Kennedy Krieger Institute, East Baltimore Campus, 716 North Broadway, 3rd Floor. During the research visit, participants will complete an IQ assessment, a diagnostic assessment (participants with ASD only), motor assessments, a 30-minute practice MRI scan, a 60-minute MRI scan, and a blood draw. Participants will receive a check 4-6 weeks after their research visit in the amount of $50, and a picture of their brain from the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation summary of their child's performance on the IQ assessment. This is no cost for participating in the study.

Children between the ages of 8-12 years old, with and without ASD may be eligible to participate. Children with a history of fragile X syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, PKU, congenital rubella, traumatic brain injury, major depression, bipolar disorder, and/or conduct disorder may not be eligible to participate. Parents will need to complete a 10-minute telephone screening and 1-2-hour diagnostic interview over the phone to determine if their child is eligible for scheduling. Additionally, participants with ASD will need to meet research criteria for ASD on the diagnostic assessment administered in the morning of the research visit in order to be eligible to proceed.

Longitudinal ADHD Research Study for Adolescents Ages 12-17 years old

Study Name: Adolescent Changes in Brain and Behavior in Boys and Girls with ADHD

Description:  This research study is being done to learn more about response control and anatomical brain differences in adolescents, between the ages of 12 and 17 years old, with and without ADHD. This research study will help to evaluate brain development and functional outcomes over the course of childhood and adolescence. The study takes place over two days, from about 8:45am – 3:45pm, with an hour break for lunch. The testing is completed at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore City, 716 North Broadway, 3rd Floor. During the first visit, participants will receive an IQ test, participate in a semi-structured interview, and complete computer games. During the second visit, participants will complete motor testing, a 60-minute MRI scan, and a 90-minute electroencephalogram (EEG). Parents will complete a 1-2-hour semi-structured interview. No radiation or dyes are used, only magnets. For their participation, children will receive a check for $50.00 per day of study participation; they will also receive a picture of their brain if they are able to complete the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation report on the IQ and achievement test results of their child. There is no charge to participate in the study.

Online Research Opportunity ages 12 – 36 months

Description: Child development researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute are studying a new social communication screening tool for children ages 12-36 months.

What is involved?

• Brief online questionnaire about your family (15 minutes)
• Online developmental screeners (approximately one hour)
• Telehealth developmental assessment with you and your child, and feedback with a developmental specialist.

Participate in Brain Research on High Functioning Autism

Description: We are recruiting children to participate in a research study to learn if there are differences between the brain’s connections in children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)

WHO: Girls and boys with ASDs and children who do not have ASDs to participate as “comparison subjects”

WHAT: Eligibility screening via parent phone interview, questionnaires completed by parent and school teachers, 2 days of computer games, paper & pencil tasks and an Electroencephalogram (EEG) test, IQ testing and report. Will require about 1 ½ days or 12 hours to complete all activities.

WHERE: Kennedy Krieger Institute

BENEFIT: There is no significant risk or direct medical benefit for participating in this study.

COMPENSATION: $25.00 gift certificate

Research Opportunity for Healthy Children or Adults

Study Name:  Healthy children or adults without neurologic or developmental diagnoses and/or caregivers

Description: This research is being done to find risk factors for chronic pain in people with cerebral palsy (CP).  We are also looking at the effects of pain on function, independence and quality of life in people with CP. People will be asked to complete online questionnaires at your convenience.

Participants will be emailed links to online questionnaires that will take 30 – 60 minutes to complete. The questions will be about medical diagnoses, quality of life and other factors that might influence pain.  Participants will receive $10 for completing all questionnaires.

Computerized Reading Intervention Research Study

Study Name: The Role of Executive Functions in Reading and Reading Remediation

Description: We are recruiting children who are 8-12 years old with and without a reading disability to examine the effects of a computerized reading remediation program.

Participation will include 4.5 hours of cognitive testing (3 hours of remote virtual testing, 1.5 hours of in-person testing) and a 1-hr magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your child’s brain. Once this initial testing is complete, participants will complete either a reading or mathematics on-line intervention program. The intervention program requires 20-30 minutes of training three (3) times a week over an 8-week period.  Once the training program is complete, participants will repeat another 4.5 hours of cognitive testing and a 1-hr MRI scan to examine changes in cognitive performance and brain activity. Participants who complete the mathematics program will have the opportunity to complete the reading intervention program at the end of their study participation. Participants will be compensations for their participation in this study.

Research Volunteers Needed

Description:  Participate either from home or in the lab in Baltimore, MD

At Home Option: you will need a computer connected to the internet and you will be asked to complete a game on a website.

In Lab Options (choose as many as you would like): computer-based tasks, treadmill walking tasks, virtual reality tasks, reaching tasks with a robot, and an MRI scan where we take pictures of your brain while you look at pictures, move your arm, or squeeze a device.

There are no medical benefits or significant risks to you for joining this research study. Participation will take 1-5 hours (with multiple visits possible). Participants will be compensated for their time. WHO: Children with Tourette Syndrome and typically developing children

Understanding Sensory Differences in Children with and Without Autism Ages 8-12 Years Old

Study Name: Dysfunction of Sensory Inhibition in Autism

Description: We have an opportunity for children ages 8-12 to participate in brain research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. We are investigating differences in sensory processing and the brain’s structure and function in children with and without ASD. This process includes eligibility screening via parent phone interview, computer games, paper & pencil tasks, and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. You will receive a free IQ assessment and a picture of your child’s brain.

Participants will receive a check 4-6 weeks after their research visit in the amount of $50, and a picture of their brain from the MRI scan. Parents will receive an evaluation summary of their child's performance on the IQ assessment. This is no cost for participating in the study.