in children with Down Syndrome

What we want to know.

The brain area essential for analyzing complex sounds important for speech and language comprehension is known as the auditory cortex. We have learning a lot about this area of the brain from studies of typically developing children of various ages. In contrast, very little is known about auditory cortical development in children with Down Syndrome. This is an important area of research because we know that language development is delayed in these children.

About the study.

Session One.

This research program contains two parts.  First, your child may come in for a one hour session where they will complete activities looking at problem solving, vocabulary knowledge, reading skills, and the ability to work with sounds in words.  A short hearing test will also be completed. Your child will receive a book and a certificate as a thank-you for participating in the study

 
Session Two

After the first session, your child may participate in a subsequent session that uses brain imagery. We are interested in examining an area of the brain called the auditory cortex  because it is implicated in analyzing sounds that underlie speech and language.  In this part of the study, your child will lie in a device, the MEG, that measures magnetic fields naturally generated by neural activity in the brain.  During this time, your child will watch a silent film and will hear a series of tones.  No known risks are associated with participation in this research, and the children will not experience any discomfort during the procedure.  As a thank-you for this portion of the study, participants or their families (depending on participant age) will be given $25 as a thank you for their participation.

 
We welcome your children to participate in only the first portion, or both the first and second portion of the study.

Who are we looking for?

Individuals aged 5 - 35  years with and without Down Syndrome.

Your Name:

Your Email:

Daytime Phone Number:

Evening Phone Number:

Please include your email or phone number to receive a reply.
All information provided is 100% confidential.

I have a child between 5 and 35 years of age WITH Down Syndrome, and am interested in participating in this study.
I have a child between 5 and 35 years of age WITHOUT Down Syndrome, and am interested in participating in this study.

This form does not bind you to participation. One of our lab members will contact you to arrange time, confirm interest and answer any questions you may have.