Sensory Processing Research Study
Boston Children’s Hospital is looking for parents and children to participate in a clinical research study on sensory processing.
Fast Facts
No neurological or genetic disorders
2-12 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Brookline, MA
Study Background
The Simons-MIT Project is studying how children understand the world around them! Specifically, we are interested in differences in the brain’s ways of processing sensory information between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Many children with autism have high or low sensitivity to sensory input such as bright lights or loud sounds. We are currently recruiting control subjects 2 – 12 years old without ASD to help us understand more about these differences!
Would you be interested in having your child participate in a sensory processing study and help support clinical research?
Study Background
The Simons-MIT Project is studying how children understand the world around them! Specifically, we are interested in differences in the brain’s ways of processing sensory information between children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Many children with autism have high or low sensitivity to sensory input such as bright lights or loud sounds. We are currently recruiting control subjects 2 – 12 years old without ASD to help us understand more about these differences!
Would you be interested in having your child participate in a sensory processing study and help support clinical research?
Additional Information
The primary goal of this study is to investigate the difference in brain activity, while resting, watching a video, or listening to sounds, between children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Findings of this study will improve our understanding of how the brain processes sounds and other senses, especially in regards to high and low sensitivity to sounds.
Your child may qualify if they meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Your child is 2-12 years old
- Able to commute to Brookline, MA for a 1-2 hour study visit (travel reimbursement available)
- Your child was born within three weeks of their due date.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Neurological or genetic disorders
- Hearing or visual impairment that has not been corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids
- First degree relative (a parent or sibling) with autism spectrum disorder
If you choose to have your child participate in this study, you will complete a short screening call and standardized surveys about your child’s communication ability and sensory profile. Your child will then come into our lab for a 1-2 hour visit and wear an EEG cap while watching videos and listening to sounds:
Overview of study visits:
- One single in-person visit at 2 Brookline Place, MA (Boston Children’s Hospital)
- This visit includes parent questionnaires that will evaluate your child’s sensory profile and social communication and responsiveness. In addition, we will measure your child’s brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG).
- EEG is a safe and radiation-free way to measure brain activity in response to different sounds and/or pictures. The EEG used in this study is different than clinical EEG used to detect seizures; it is quick to apply and soft with slightly wet circular sponges that touch your child’s hair and scalp.
- You can watch videos about our lab, including EEG at: https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/labs/laboratories-cognitiveneuroscience-research
You can receive up to $40 for your time and effort, and ride-share options and/or reimbursement for transportation costs.
Transportation via Uber, public transportation, and parking may be reimbursed.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
