Research Studies
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research Studies
Find research studies available to children cared for by the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics team.
Camouflaging in Autism and Other Conditions
The primary objective of this study is to measure camouflaging behaviors (i.e., behaviors that hide autistic symptoms) and social compensation (i.e., behaviors that explicitly support social interaction) in individuals with and without ASD using an online self-report questionnaire - the CAT-Q.
Early Insights Study
The Early Insights Research Study aims to understand brain development in infants and toddlers who may or may not develop intellectual or developmental delay. This study will use a non-invasive brain scanning technology called magnetoencephalography (MEG). We hope the information gained from this study may lead to possible treatment strategies for children who have intellectual or developmental delay.
Lifespan Brain Institute Common Screening and Intake Protocol
This study aims to collect data from patients seen at CHOP, CHOP's 3550 Market St. primary care location, Penn, or from the surrounding communities. If you choose to participate, we will take an optional blood, saliva, and/or stool sample, have you complete computer testing that measures things like your reaction time and your memory, have you complete questionnaires, and we will interview you and your parent or legal guardian to ask questions about your life experiences and perceptions, and past and current mental health.
ML-004 for Adolescents and Adults With ASD
The purpose of this study is to test the safety of an investigational medicine called ML-004 and how it might affect communication, behavior, and other symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This medication is investigational because it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism.
You may qualify if you:
- Are 12 to 17 years old
- Have an autism diagnosis
- Have a designated care/study partner able to attend every visit and answer questions about the participant. This person does not need to be the participant's parent or guardian. This person should have significant contact with them and can support them for the duration of the study.
- Are able to swallow the study medication (tablet)
PEDSnet Research Prioritization Strategy Studies
PEDSnet is launching a series of Research Prioritization Studies to identify key gaps in knowledge and generate new, impactful evidence in child health care. PEDSnet is seeking input from patients, parents/caregivers, and healthcare professionals to learn which research topics matter most to them.
Each study invites stakeholders to share their perspectives on what is most important. This input will help develop prioritized research questions that can guide future studies and improve health outcomes for children.
The following Research Prioritization Studies are currently seeking participants:
1) Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
PEDSnet and DBPNet seek youth (13-24), parents, and clinicians/scientists for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Research Prioritization Study. The goal is to develop a prioritized list of research questions that will immediately impact patient health outcomes, focusing on children with IDD.
Youth and Parent participants will answer open-ended questions on Viva Engage, a Microsoft platform, to share their thoughts and opinions. The study is entirely online, and parents and youth will be compensated for their time. To participate or learn more, complete our eligibility screener.
Clinicians or Researchers will answer a one time survey answer a two-question open-ended survey about their experiences and opinions as a clinician or scientist in this field.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Identify as a:
- Youth between the ages of 13-24 with:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- A communication or language disorder
- Learning disability
- Intellectual disability or Developmental Delays
- Parent with a child (of any age) diagnosed with:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- A communication or language disorder
- Learning disability
- Intellectual disability or Developmental Delays
- Clinician or researcher of the following disciplines:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Occupational or Speech Therapy
- Psychology
- Primary Care/General Pediatrics
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Read and write comfortably in English;
- Be comfortable using a computer or smartphone;
- Be comfortable sharing personal experiences and answer follow-up questions when applicable.
- Youth between the ages of 13-24 with:
- Identify as a:
Youth and Parent Eligibility Survey: https://redcap.link/15xbvbie
Clinician/Researcher Survey: https://redcap.link/jtbn3zkt
2) Pulmonary
PEDSnet is looking to identify key research priorities to help improve health outcomes for children and youth with tracheostomy and chronic ventilator dependence. The goal of this study is to find out what is most important to patients, parents/caregivers, and healthcare team members who have or support youth with tracheostomy and chronic ventilator dependence.
Participants will begin by completing a one-time online survey to share their thoughts and opinions. Those who complete the survey may be invited to a join a follow-up activity where they will help collaboratively rank a list of research topics with other research participants based on their importance and feasibility of research. To participate or learn more, please begin by taking our survey.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Identify as a:
- Patients with current or prior tracheostomy and mechanical ventilator dependence;
- Healthcare Team Members involved in care of pediatric patients with tracheostomy and mechanical ventilator dependence. (This may include: inpatient or outpatient providers, nurses, home health care providers, respiratory therapists, social workers, care managers, clinician-researchers etc. );
- Parents or caregivers of a child with current or prior tracheostomy and mechanical ventilator dependence;
- Read and write comfortably in English or Spanish;
- Be comfortable using a computer or smartphone;
- Be comfortable sharing personal experiences and answer follow-up questions when applicable.
Survey Link: https://redcap.link/cujrbqjl
Pimavanserin for the Treatment of Irritability Associated With ASD
The purpose of this study is to test an investigational medication in children and adolescents aged 5-17 years old with irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The name of the medication being tested in this study is pimavanserin. This medication is investigational because it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability associated with autism. The main risks of this study are from the medication, which include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.
SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge
The mission of SPARK is to ignite research at an unprecedented scale to improve lives by advancing our understanding of autism. To join this national autism research cohort, individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism and their biological family members will be asked to share information about their medical and family history, as well as provide a DNA sample.
Study of Early Childhood Development (SAGA)
The goal of this research study is to investigate early development differences in children. This study enrolls children with autism AND children without autism.