Children's and/or Child/Parent Studies Enrolling at Yale

For toddlers aged 12-36 mos: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measures small changes in oxygenation in the brain's blood flow by wearing a cap that shines near-infrared light into your brain and measures how much light comes back to the surface. Your child will watch some short movie clips (10 minutes total), some in which they will hear jumbled speech.

For children aged 4-7 years: This study on language perception in the brain will take place at the MRI center at 100 College St. Your child will watch a series of short movie clips of Sesame Street and listen to the movie's soundtrack in English, Spanish, and a garbled condition (20 minutes total). While in the scanner, your child will wear a special Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) cap that shines near-infrared light.

Compensation: $25 per hour

Complete our info form here, or for more information email llamblab@haskins.yale.edu or call (203)785-2564.

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation; HIC# 2000033481

If your child is 8 to 13 years of age with little to no irritability, you and your child can play an important role in research by volunteering for a free and confidential study. We are looking at irritability and frustration utilizing various procedures, e.g. fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), measuring physiological data (e.g. heart rate), questionnaires, and interviews. The aims of the study are to identify brain mechanisms and social and environmental factors that predict irritability and its changes over two years.

Compensation up to $650.

To learn more or see if you are eligible to participate, call 203-479-0276 or email: affectiveyouth@yale.edu

Sponsored by National Institutes of Health (NIH); HIC # 2000038262

If your 11–18-year-old has been diagnosed with FS/PNES, they may be eligible to participate in a study examining the effects of two commonly used treatments for improving Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) symptoms, specifically Functional Seizures.

Compensation is up to $250 total.

If you are interested in participating, or if you have any questions, please email: fndstudy@yale.edu

Sponsored by University of Alabama at Birmingham; HIC#2000036038

The PROSPECT-2 Study is looking at an investigational medicine for the prevention of migraine called eptinezumab to see if it can help adolescents and teens 12 to 17 years old with chronic migraine. Researchers want to see if eptinezumab can safely reduce headaches.

Visit www.prospect2rejoin.com to watch videos explaining the studies.

To sign up or learn more please contact Cristian.Ionita@yale.edu

Sponsored by H. Lundbeck A/S; HIC# 2000031792

This project studies how teens interact with peers in a computer game and in everyday life. Participation includes one visit to our lab where families will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and teens will do computer activities while their brain waves are recorded with an electroencephalogram (EEG).

We are currently recruiting teens with and without autism between 13 and 17 years old.

Participants will receive a clinical evaluation, assessment report, and compensation of $70.

To learn more about the study or to participate, please call us at 203-737-3439 or email our team at autism@yale.edu.

Sponsored by the Matthew Hillman Fisher Foundation; Yale University School of Medicine; HIC# 0303025065

The Yale Baby School is a research and educational initiative for families, which includes opportunities to participate in research studies, free online courses on child development and parenting, as well as the opportunities to connect with other families in the community at in-person and virtual events such as public lectures, social gatherings and more. We are looking for pregnant individuals, as well as families with infants, toddlers, and children up to 7-years-old to join this initiative.

The research studies are conducted by our team of developmental scientists at the Yale Child Study Center and the Yale Psychology Department. The primary research focus of each participating lab varies from the development of language and cognition, to functional brain development, to pregnancy and parenting. These studies are designed to help us to learn more about parenting and child development, from pregnancy onwards. If you decide to participate in one or more of the ongoing studies over time, we will compensate you for your time and travel.

All interested families are welcome to join! Please feel free to enroll in our program here.

Have any questions? Please reach out to Kathy Armstrong at babyschool@yale.edu or at 203-494-0120.

Sponsored by the Anna Freud Centre; HIC#2000022110

Are you or your child living with sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic blood disorder worldwide and a rapidly growing global health problem that remains poorly understood. You can play an important role in research by volunteering for a free and confidential study Yale is conducting to better understand the immune system of those with sickle cell disease. Your participation could lead to important breakthroughs in treatment and care. Your privacy is of the upmost importance to us.

Study procedures include blood draws, and medical record reviews.

Compensation is provided.

Your contribution matters. To learn more, contact us at irene.matos@yale.edu or call Irene Matos at (203) 737-4739.

Sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH); HIC# 2000036007

DREAM study (Detection Research on Early Asymptomatic MS)

Yale researchers are looking for participants in an ongoing research study. Participation includes one in-person visit with a blood draw, and questionnaires, which can be completed online. Additional blood draws and procedures are optional.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Have a close family member (parent, sibling, or child) with multiple sclerosis
• Are age 13 or older

Prescreening survey link is here: https://redcap.link/r057eydl

Sponsored by Hoffmann (F) - La Roche, Ltd; Yale University School of Medicine; HIC# 2000032952

Our pediatrics research team is conducting a study to better understand why some children and young adults with obesity develop a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is a common liver condition where too much fat builds up in the liver, and it can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or liver damage later in life. NAFLD affects nearly 7 million kids and teens in the U.S., and we want to learn more about how it starts and who is most at risk.

We are interested in learning why some groups are more likely to develop this condition compared to others, specifically Hispanic youth and Black/African American youth. Hispanic youth are affected by NAFLD, with prevalence rates around 45%, compared to 13% in Black/African American youth. By studying these patterns, we hope to uncover what’s happening in the body that puts some youth at higher risk than others.

We are inviting youth ages 12 to 22 who are considered overweight or obese (with a BMI of 30 or higher), identify as Hispanic or Black/African American, and are not taking any weight loss medications to participate in this study.

The study involves 3 to 4 initial research visits followed by check-ins every 6 months for two years. As a benefit of participating, participants will receive helpful health information including whether they/their child has signs of fatty liver, prediabetes, or diabetes. These results will be shared with the physician, along with general tips on healthy eating and lifestyle.

Participants may be compensated up to $740. Parking costs are also covered.

To learn more or to see if your child is eligible, please contact Gloria Kang at Gloria.Kang@yale.edu

Sponsored by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD); HIC# 200028731

Yale is conducting a study to examine the safety, efficacy, response predictors, and post treatment trajectory of adolescents (13–17 years old) with treatment-resistant depression and high suicide risk following a conservative repeat dosing Ketamine infusion paradigm compared to an active control, Midazolam. Those who are randomized to Midazolam and remain ill have the option to cross-over to Ketamine in the open phase.

All participants will be followed closely for 4 months post-treatment and treated with standard of care depression treatment (medication management and cognitive behavioral therapy). Brain-based predictors of anti-suicidal responses will be assessed via connectome predictive modeling and examining functional brain circuits via fMRI before and after treatment.

To learn more about how this study may benefit your patients, contact Brooke Rivera, Clinical Coordinator, Yale Pediatric Depression Lab at (203) 974-2241 or email PediDepression@yale.edu.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Health; HIC# 200029003

Pro-Net Study

If your child is between the ages of 12 and 18 and has recently experienced changes in their thinking, behavior, or experiences, they may qualify for this study. These changes include confusion between reality and imagination, feeling a lack of control over your thoughts or ideas, being suspicious or paranoid, experiencing unreal sensations like hearing sounds or seeing things that aren't there, and having difficulty communicating clearly.

Participants in this study will undergo an initial screening visit, 2 MRI scans, and 2 sets of blood work. Additionally, they will be asked questions about their experiences and emotional well-being.

Total compensation of up to $1000 is provided.

To inquire further or determine eligibility for participation, please contact us at 203-200-8997 or email pronetstudy@yale.edu.

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); HIC# 2000029159

The All of Us Research Program is a large research program. The goal is to help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy by creating a biorepository.

People who join will give us information about their health, habits, and what it’s like where they live. By looking for patterns, researchers may learn more about what affects people’s health. If you decide to join All of Us, we will ask you to share different kinds of information like your name and where you live, questions about your family, home, and work. If you have an Electronic Medical Record, we may ask you for access. We will also ask you to come in for physical measurements like, height, weight, hip and waist circumference, and blood pressure, and heart rate. We will also ask you to provide blood and urine samples, or saliva.

Total Compensation: $25

If interested, please contact: allofus@yale.edu or call 203-785-5993

Sponsored by University of California, San Diego; HIC# 2000034651

If you have a child who is 9 to 12 years old, they may be eligible to participate in a study that examines your child’s social and emotional skills. This research will lead to new ways of understanding how children processes and regulate their emotions.

The study will require two visits. At each visit you and your child will complete questionnaires, and your child will participate in an fMRI scan. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique for measuring and mapping brain activity that is noninvasive and safe. You will also receive a free psychoeducational assessment describing your child’s social and emotional development. The study is conducted at the Yale Child Study Center by caring and supportive research staff.

Eligibility:

• Between the ages of 9 - 12
• Significant levels of disruptive behavior (anger outbursts, irritability, noncompliance, easily frustrated) OR NO significant levels of disruptive behavior.
• Be able to complete fMRI research procedure
• Be able to commute to New Haven, CT

Compensation up to $100.

To learn more please contact our team at 203-785-7565 or email: emotion@yale.edu

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); Yale University School of Medicine; HIC# 2000031303

The Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab at Yale University is conducting a study looking at whether mindfulness helps children and adolescents with ADHD, in comparison to medication, or medication and mindfulness together.

We are looking for kids between 7 and 13 with ADHD, or who might have ADHD, and are interested in participating.

The study involves an online interview to confirm you have ADHD, online questionnaires and short tests, and then either in-person mindfulness sessions (16), or several online medication visits, or both. Afterwards, you will fill out online questionnaires and do short tests twice more.

You may be paid up to $480 for participation.

To learn more or see if you are eligible to participate, call 475-441-3920 or email mbatc@yale.edu.

Sponsored by National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; HIC#: 2000020705

If your child is under the age of 4 and makes unusual movements with his or her hands, fingers, feet, or whole body, and has no other major developmental delays or concerns, he or she may be eligible to participate in a new study. Participation involves two visits that include developmental assessments and watching videos.

Participants will receive a clinical evaluation and are compensated up to $100. Free and secure parking is provided.

For more information, call (203) 764-5933, email sanalab@yale.edu or visit https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/participate/.

Research at the Yale Child Study Center

Sponsored Yale University School of Medicine HIC# 0808004146

If your child is 10-16 years old with chronic tics, they may be eligible to receive neurofeedback treatment. We use a form of neurofeedback that involves monitoring brain activity via fMRI. The purpose of this study is to determine if our neurofeedback intervention can reduce tic symptoms and improve our understanding of Tourette Syndrome.

Participation can result in compensation up to $880.

If you and your child are interested in participating in this study, please click here..

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at Hampson.lab@yale.edu, or (203)-737-6055.

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health, Department of Human Health Services HIC #: 2000033043

We are looking for tobacco-smoking and non-smoking mothers with a 9- to 12-month-old infant. Volunteers will be mothers who complete two, 2-hour long visits at the Yale Child Study Center. During the first visit, volunteers will complete some questionnaires, then some play time and a free developmental assessment with their infant. During the second visit, volunteers (not their infants) will complete a simple computer task while we safely measure brain activity as well as completing some more questionnaires and cognitive tasks. There will also be some questionnaires to complete between visits.

Volunteers will be compensated $50 after each visit, for a total of $100. Travel compensation is available too.

To learn more please contact The Before and After Baby Lab (BABL) at (203) 901-1029 or Email: thebabl@yale.edu.

Sponsored by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); HIC# 2000031080

Help us learn more about how adolescents with depression and schizophrenia think and feel

If you have a teen 13 to 17 years of age, right-handed, with a history of depression OR schizophrenia and no major medical conditions, they may be eligible to participate in this research study. The goal is to understand how people their age think, feel and behave. This study will have a few visits spread across 18 months, including at least 2 MRI scans, clinical interviews, and some computer tests.

Compensation up to $650.

Healthy Teen Volunteers Also Needed.

To learn more or see if you are eligible to participate, email ChoLab@yale.edu or call (203) 815-9874.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Simons Foundation; YCCI Pilot Project Grant; Yale University School of Medicine; HIC# 1111009332

Comprehensive Therapy for Irritability in Adolescents with Autism

If you have a child who is 12-19 years old, has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and has significant levels of irritability or disruptive behavior (e.g., easily frustrated, meltdowns, anger outbursts), they may be eligible to participate in a free and confidential study.

Study includes free assessment of autism and 15 weekly sessions of therapy (remote or in-person).

Compensation of up to $250 for completion of study.

To learn more or see if your child is eligible, please contact the Sukhodolsky Lab (Sukhodolsky.Lab@yale.edu) or all 203-737-7662.

Sponsored by Department of the Army; Yale University School of Medicine Yale; HIC #0102012121

Children with or without intellectual disability may be able to take part if he or she:

• Is 13 - 17 years old with established professional diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Speaks fluent English, has a primary caregiver also fluent and willing to help answer questions and complete study activities
• Other criteria applicable – please contact us to learn more

The TAPESTRY Study measures effects of an investigational medication on irritability associated with autism.

Reach us online or directly via email, phone, or text: Dr. Roger Jou, 203-927-3970 (text/talk), roger.jou@yale.edu

Sponsored by Axial; HIC#: 2000031483

You can play an important role in research discovery by enrolling your baby in a study on early emotional development. We are recruiting infants 4 months of age or younger who have an older sibling or other relative with ASD.

Participation involves brief visits that include developmental assessments, watching videos, and play-based activities to assess emotional development from 4 months through 30 months of age. Follow your child’s individual development along with our clinical and research staff.

Families are compensated up to $300 for study participation. Free, safe, and secure parking is provided.

For more information and to learn about eligibility, call (203) 764-5933, email us at sanalab@yale.edu, or visit https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/participate/.

Research at the Yale Child Study Center

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); HIC# 2000031163

SPARK study at Yale - all ages welcome

SPARK is a growing community of individuals, families, and researchers on a mission to speed up the understanding of autism. Our aims are to:

• Collect DNA from saliva samples and information through surveys from 50,000 people with autism and both of their parents and share that data with researchers.
• Make breakthroughs that were never before possible and return our findings to you.
• SPARK is sponsored by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) and Yale is one of more than 30 participating hospitals and clinics across the country.

Why join SPARK?

• Find possible genetic causes of autism in your own family and power future autism research for years to come.
• Join other autism research studies and get updates on the latest autism research.
• Connect with a community of 1400 SPARK participants in our region!

You can receive up to $50 Amazon gift card for participation.

Registration can be completed entirely online and from home at www.SPARKforAutism.org/Yale or by scheduling an appointment with the Yale study team. To participate, simply register online and consent to the study. Saliva kits will be mailed to you and provided with return packaging. If you have questions call (203) 785-7539 or email sparkforautism@yale.edu.

Sponsored by Simons Foundation; HIC#2000024931

The McPartland lab has a project that is looking at attention to social images. We are studying behavior and brain systems to better understand the different ways children experience the social world. Participation involves two visits to our offices where children and families will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and watch videos while their brain waves and movement are recorded.

We are recruiting autistic children with intellectual disability (ID) and non-autistic children with ID, or children with global developmental delay or Angelman’s syndrome between the ages of 3-17.

Children will receive a clinical evaluation and report as well as compensation of up to $200.

To learn more about the study or to participate, please call us at 203-737-3439 or email our team at autism@yale.edu.

Sponsored by the Autism Science Foundation; the Eagles Autism Foundation; Yale University School of Medicine; HIC# 0303025065

Links between newborn brain connectivity and social development

https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/participate/newborns/

Are you pregnant and you interested in learning more about your new baby’s development? Do you have a family member with autism?

You can play an important role in research discovery by enrolling your baby in a highly innovative study on early social development. We are currently recruiting babies for a study examining links between brain connectivity and social development in infancy. Participation includes a brain imaging session at 2 to 4 weeks of age and follow-up visits at our Lab at 4, 6, 12, and 18 months. The brain study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and occurs while babies nap naturally and is entirely non-invasive. The follow-up visits involve monitoring of cognitive, social, and language development by expert clinicians and researchers.

We recruit newborns who have a family member with autism (e.g., parent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or a cousin) and newborns who do not have relatives with autism. The visits are fun, interactive, and family friendly. Parents often find it rewarding to contribute to research that will help improve the lives of children with autism and their families.

Compensation up to $350. Free and secure parking is provided.

To learn more, please reach out to Erin Carrubba at erin.carruba@yale.edu or (203) 737-1334.

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), HIC # 2000021541