The Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab is conducting a research study at the University of South Carolina to learn about the development of infants with Fragile X syndrome and the Fragile X premutation over the first few years of life.
Interested? Learn more below.
About the Study
Who can participate?
Infants (both males and females) ages 6 to 12 months diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome or Fragile X premutation may be eligible to participate.
What will happen in the study?
If the individual qualifies and decides to be in this research study, participation will take place either at the participant’s home or at the University of South Carolina, depending on your family’s preference.
This study includes four in-person, play-based assessments over 18 months, with assessments targeted for when your child is 6, 9, 12, and 24 months of age. Each assessment lasts two to four hours and flexibility in scheduling is offered to meet your family’s needs and preferences.
Traveling to the University of South Carolina is optional, and all travel expenses for the participating infant and parent(s) will be reimbursed.
Participation involves the following components:
- Play-based developmental assessments that measure cognition, communication, sensory experiences, and motor skills
- Collection of heart activity using a non-invasive portable monitor
- Questionnaires regarding your child’s development
- Collection of a blood sample through a physician or outpatient lab of your choice for genetic analyses (optional)
For a more detailed walkthrough of study participation, please visit our study timeline.
What are the good things that can happen from this research?
Following each assessment, parents will receive a summary report of their child’s development and behavior from professionals knowledgeable about early development in Fragile X and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, the anticipated results of this study are expected to advance research on the development of children with Fragile X syndrome and the Fragile X premutation, which is expected to contribute to the advancement of early intervention options.
What are the bad things that can happen from this research?
There is no more than minimal risk anticipated in this study. There is a minimal risk that participants may experience mild fatigue or fussiness during behavioral data collection. However, assessments will be completed at each family’s convenience and breaks (e.g., for naps, feedings) will be allotted. If families opt to participate in the blood draw, there is a chance of minor pain, bruising, swelling, or infection, but all blood draws will be completed by a trained phlebotomist.
There may be other risks that we do not know about yet.
Will I or my child be paid to complete this study?
Participating families will receive a prepaid gift card via email after each assessment. Participants may receive up to $400 total, with payment as follows: $75 at 6 and 9 months, $100 at 12 months, and $150 at 24 months.
Travel reimbursement is available for eligible families.
Interested in Participating?
Our Most Recent Opportunities
Project WellCAST: Caregivers of Children with Fragile X Needed for a Research Study
The Kelleher Lab at Purdue University is conducting an NIH-funded clinical trial called Project WellCAST. Project WellCAST aims to understand how to best support caregivers of children with rare neurogenetic conditions, including Fragile X syndrome.
Study: Language, executive function, and quality of life of those with the Fragile X premutation
Researchers at the Waisman Center at UW-Madison are recruiting adults with the Fragile X premutation for a study on language, executive function, and quality of life.
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Study: Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes in individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (BEOND)
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Developing the Fragile X Syndrome-Health Index (FXS-HI): A Caregiver-Reported Outcome Measure
The Center of Health and Technology’s (CheT) Outcomes Division is conducting caregiver interviews to learn about and determine the most important symptoms to individuals with FXS to create an outcome measure for FXS.
Study: A Family Genetic Study of Autism and Fragile X Syndrome
The Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Lab at Northwestern University is conducting a research study to learn about how the genes involved in Fragile X syndrome may play a role in language development, cognitive differences, and more.