STUDY GOAL
To investigate the brain basis of learning and development of mathematical problem solving skills in children with and without autism.
PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE: Up to $375 for completing the study
- Pictures of their brain
STAGES OF STUDY:
Appointments 1, 2, and 3: Neuropsychological testing
During the first three appointments your child will undergo a series of neuropsychological assessments performed by Stanford assessors. The assessments include measures of IQ, reading, memory and math abilities.
Part of these appointments will also be devoted to familiarize the participant with the brain scanner (MRI) procedures. These appointments will last 2 to 2.5 hours each.
Participants are compensated $25 for completing each of these 3 neuropsychological appointments.
Appointment 4: MRI pre-scan
During the fourth appointment, participants will undergo a brain scan (MRI). During the scan, participants will respond to computer-based math problems while pictures of their brain are taken.
An MRI scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure that does not use x-rays or radiation.
This appointment lasts 2.5 hours to 3 hours and participants are compensated $50.
5 Days of Math Training
For 5 days spread out over the course of 2 weeks, participants will receive one-on-one math training with a Stanford tutor. These sessions will last 1 hour each and children will play interactive math games.
Participants are compensated $50 for the completion of the math training program.
Appointment 5: MRI post-scan
During the fifth appointment, participants will undergo a brain scan (MRI). During the scan, participants will respond to computer-based math problems while pictures of their brain are taken. We are interested in the brain changes following the math training.
This appointment lasts 2.5 hours to 3 hours and participants are compensated $50.
Appointments 6-7: Autism testing
The sixth appointment consists of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This is a ‘play’ based assessment in which the trained clinician observes the child’s behavior during a series of structured and semi-structured tasks targeted at assessing social interaction skills. This appointment lasts approximately 1 hour.
The final appointment consists of the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI). This is a structured interview between the clinician/ assessor and the parents aimed at assessing autistic traits in the areas of social interaction, communication and language. The child does not participate in this interview. This appointment lasts approximately 3 hours.
Participants are compensated $50 for the completion of appointments 6 and 7.
For completion of the study, participants are compensated an additional $50.
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