Dr. Brittany Travers and the Motor and Brain Development Lab at the Waisman Center are recruiting children 5-13 years old for a research study that seeks to better understand how early developing brain areas may contribute to differences in behavior and sensory experiences in children on the autism spectrum compared to children not on the autism spectrum. Children must speak and/or understand English and cannot have contraindications to MRI nor co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions such as Down syndrome. Additionally, children not on the autism spectrum must also not have a diagnosis of ADHD or a parent or sibling on the autism spectrum.
- Children will complete 6 hours of activities, including a 20-60 minute MRI scan. The behavioral tasks will include a brief IQ assessment and various sensory and motor assessments (asking your child to do activities like drawing, playing with balls, hopping, touching or grasping objects, sorting objects, doing sit ups, and balancing). We will also measure the child’s heart rate while they do different activities. These activities can be completed in one visit or across multiple study visits, depending on the preference of the family.
- For 2.5-5.5 hours during the study visit, a parent/caregiver will answer questions about the child in the form of questionnaires (all parents/caregivers) and an interview (parent/caregivers of children on the autism spectrum).
- All sessions will be completed at the Waisman Center. Families will be compensated up to $200 for their participation. Travel arrangements up to $249 and meals during study activities will be provided. Sibling activities are available upon request.
- For families outside of the Madison and surrounding areas, a one-night stay at a hotel will be offered.
Interested in helping us with this study to better understand the brain and movement in children with autism? Contact Brittany Travers and her team at (608) 263-8913 or BrainyMovtStudy@waisman.wisc.edu for more information.
PI: Brittany G. Travers, PhD
Keywords: Autism, Brain Imaging/Neuroimaging, Infant and Child Development