Research Participant Opportunities

The goal of this USC study is to look at brain functioning and how it relates to coordination and social skills in developing children. We hope to better understand children’s social and motor abilities using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using this safe brain imaging technique, we can take pictures of children’s brains while they observe, think about, and do different motor tasks.

Participants:

• Your child is typically developing OR has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder OR has motor coordination difficulties.
• You and your child are English-speaking.
• Your child is 8-17 years old.
• Your child is right-handed.

Find out more about the study >

We are testing a program for young adults with diabetes, to learn about ways to help young adults manage diabetes, and deal with everyday hassles related to having diabetes.

Participants:

• Are 18-30 years old.
• Have had diabetes (type 1 or type 2) for at least a year.
• Have an A1C of 8% or higher (if you don’t know, we can test your A1C).
• Are willing to be visited at your home, school, or workplace.
• Live in Los Angeles County.
• Meet certain income limits, or qualify for CCS, Medi-Cal, or ORSA.

Find out more about the study in English >, or en Español >

Children with ASD often experience oral care challenges during dental care. This may be related to behavioral, communication, and sensory difficulties.

We have developed a sensory adapted dental environment (SADE) to create a less stressful experience at the dentist and improve oral care for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The sensory adapted room includes, special lights, music, and a special butterfly vest designed to help children relax during dental cleanings.

Participants:

• Your child has a diagnosis of ASD.
• Your child is between 6 and 12 years old.
• You speak English or Spanish.

Find out more about the study in English >, or en Español >

The Sensory Adapted Dental Environments (SADE-2) Down syndrome (DS) dental study will examine sensory processing and oral care in children with DS. You may participate in one or more of these studies.

Focus Group
We are looking for 12 parents of children with DS ages 6-12 to participate in a small group discussion about oral care for children with DS and your child’s sensory and dental experiences. This takes about 2 hours. You will receive compensation for your participation.

Participants:

• Your child has a diagnosis of Down syndrome
• Your child is between 6-12 years old
• You speak English

Dental Cleaning in a New Dental Environment
We are looking for 16 children with DS ages 6-12 to receive a free dental cleaning at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) in a special sensory environment which includes a sensory adapted room with special lights, music, and a blanket to help children relax during dental cleanings. This study will include two visits, one at your home or library or CHLA, in which you will complete questionnaires about your child’s oral care and sensory issues, and the other at the Dental Clinic of CHLA where your child will get his/her teeth cleaned. You will receive compensation for your participation.

Participants:

• Your child has a diagnosis of Down syndrome
• Your child is between 6-12 years old
• Your child has had at least one prior dental cleaning
• You speak English

Find out more about the study >