Studies Enrolling Participants Ages 12-14

BRAIN-online Web-based Brain Assessment Study

Study description

The goal of this study is to use the information collected  to develop more efficient ways of identifying cognitive and behavioral challenges in youth with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and improve availability to high-quality diagnostic services for youth with PAE who may not otherwise have access.

Recruitment parameters

• Between the ages of 8-16
• FASD diagnosis or prenatal alcohol exposure

Study contact information

To learn more about the study, email our study coordinators, Mary Anthony, Kent Tuominen and Alex Doughty at [email protected].

Study keywords

FASD, FAS, pFAS, ARND, PAE, web-based

CBIT+TMS Study

Study description

The CBIT+TMS Study combines Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The goal of the study is to test if TMS can help make CBIT therapy even more effective. Research participation includes 5 assessment visits, 10 daily in-person CBIT+TMS sessions along with 3 MRI visits at the University of Minnesota.

Recruitment parameters

• Between the ages of 12-21
• Currently experiencing chronic motor and/or vocal tics
• Right-handed
• Must be able to undergo MRI
• Not currently receiving therapy focused on tics
• Not currently taking neuroleptic/antipsychotic medications

Study contact information

To learn more about the study, email [email protected] or call 612-626-5550.

Study keywords

Tics, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, TMS, CBIT, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain Positive Behavior Program

Study description

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) are looking for research participants for a study about interventions for physical aggression to others and/or self-injury in children with autism or another neurodevelopmental disability with co-occurring intellectual disability or global developmental delay. Parents will receive coaching and other supports to help reduce physical aggression to others and self-injury in their child.

Participants receive parent coaching for 30-60 minutes, 3x weekly for 16 weeks either in person at MIDB or through videoconferencing home visits. Participants then are followed for four visits across 6 months to see how they are doing. Questionnaires and interviews are given before, during, and after the intervention. Overall, parents commit to 16 months of participation in parent coaching and followup. Compensation is up to $450 per child/family.

Recruitment parameters

• Child is between 5-17 years old, has autism or another neurodevelopmental disability with co-occurring intellectual disability or global developmental delay, has delays in cognitive or communication skills
• Child experiences physical aggression to others and/or self-injury that occurs at least multiple times a week

Study contact information

To learn more about the study, email [email protected] or call Emily Hollerich at 612-365-0006.

Study keywords

Autism, intellectual disability, global developmental delay, self-injury, aggression, parent coaching

Precision Longitudinal Brain-Behavior Mechanisms of Adolescent Executive Function: An Open Science MIDB Dataset (OpenEF)

Study description

The OpenEF Study explores how executive function (EF)—the ability to plan, focus, and regulate behavior—develops in adolescents and young adults. Participation includes weekly visits over 8 weeks with activities such as questionnaires, cognitive assessments, daily smartphone tasks, and optional MRI, blood, and smartwatch data collection.

Recruitment parameters

• Between the ages of 10-25
• Has not had any diagnosis, treatment, or current medication for psychiatric conditions within the past 12 months

Study contact information

To learn more about the study, email [email protected].

Study keywords

Executive Function, adolescents, MRI imaging, brain-behavior-biomarker study

Trajectories of Change in Tourette Syndrome (QUEST)

Study description

QUEST is a Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) therapy trial for people aged 12-17 years who experience tics.

Recruitment parameters

• Between the ages of 12-17
• Presence of chronic motor and/or vocal tics, defined as tics for at least 1 year without a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months
  • Tics must not be due to a medical condition or the direct physiological effects of a substance
• At least moderate tic severity, defined as a Yale Global Tic Severity Scale44 total score ≥14 (≥9 for those with motor or vocal tics only)
• Participants must be fluent in English to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions.
• Without a previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
• Without substance abuse or dependence within the past year
• Without current suicidal intent
• No changes in medication in the previous 6 weeks

Study contact information

To learn more about the study, email [email protected].

Study keywords

Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, tics, movement disorder, neurodevelopmental disorder

Multimodal Profiling of Response to Pediatric Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (TReC Study)

Study description

The purpose of the TReC study is to identify who is most likely to benefit from CBIT, how CBIT changes the brain, and which parts of CBIT sessions are more helpful. This study will look at changes in tics over the course of treatment. By using neuroimaging methods such as EEG and fMRI, this study will add to the field's understanding of the neurological mechanisms that take place during CBIT and will assess which CBIT factors are most important for reducing tic symptoms.

Recruitment parameters

• Between the ages of 10-17
• With current chronic motor and/or vocal tics
• Must be able to undergo MRI and/or EEG

Study contact information

To reach our study team, call (612) 626-5544 or email [email protected]. Complete our contact form to connect with us!

Study keywords

CBIT, mental health, motor tic, tic, Tourette syndrome, vocal tic