Montclair

This research aims to understand how brain activity relates to anxiety symptoms in autistic youth aged 8 to 14 from underserved communities. It investigates whether changes in brain activity align with improvements in anxiety after a cognitive behavioral therapy called Facing Your Fears (FYF). The study also explores how brain activity connects with other anxiety-related factors such as handling uncertainty and managing emotions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives the FYF intervention immediately, which is a 12-14 week outpatient group therapy involving weekly 90-minute sessions for autistic youth and their caregivers. The other group continues their usual treatment during a waitlist period and can participate in the FYF program afterward. The FYF program focuses on psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral techniques to help manage anxiety. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including brain activity measurements using EEG, anxiety symptom questionnaires completed by youth and parents, and other tools measuring behavior and emotional regulation. These assessments occur before treatment and within two weeks after the intervention ends. Researchers will also monitor treatment adherence during each session. The total participation spans up to approximately 14 weeks from the first intervention session.

This research aims to determine if perceptual training improves speech perception and production outcomes in children with Residual Speech Sound Disorders (RSSD). It investigates whether initial speech production accuracy predicts how well treatment works and how perceptual ability affects the success of perception-first versus production-first interventions. The trial compares two treatment orders to see if the sequence influences speech improvement, focusing on participants' initial abilities. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups delivered via telepractice: a group receiving Treatment as Usual (TAU) plus perception-first training, or a group receiving TAU first. Randomization is carefully balanced based on initial speech production and perception accuracy, categorizing children into high or low accuracy groups. Treatments include visual acoustic biofeedback, which uses real-time speech signal displays to help adjust articulation, and computerized perceptual training involving auditory tasks with feedback. Children will complete pre-treatment evaluations to assess their speech and perception skills. During the study, researchers will measure changes in the accuracy of producing the /r/ sound, along with perception accuracy and socio-emotional well-being. Assessments will occur at baseline, after 4 weeks of visual acoustic biofeedback, and after 12 weeks of treatment. The trial involves telepractice sessions, clinician-rated baselines, and continuous monitoring to understand treatment effects on speech sound accuracy.

Researchers are evaluating the performance of the Shield blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in individuals aged 45 to 81 who are at average risk for CRC. The study focuses on the second round of testing and compares the Shield test results to colonoscopy findings. This observational study aims to gather real-world evidence on how well the Shield test detects CRC in this population, addressing the importance of early detection to reduce CRC incidence and mortality. Participants will undergo the Shield blood test at the second testing interval, which occurs between 33 and 42 months after enrollment. The study involves adults who are considered average risk for CRC, meaning they lack symptoms or increased risk factors such as a personal or family history of CRC or related conditions. The Shield test is the primary diagnostic tool being assessed, and colonoscopy is used as the reference method to evaluate its performance. During the study, participants will follow standard care procedures and comply with study assessments. Researchers will measure how well the Shield test performs at detecting CRC at the second testing interval. The study includes monitoring participants over time with standard clinical assessments and the collection of data related to CRC screening outcomes. Participation involves scheduled testing and evaluations, with safety and adherence tracked throughout the study period, which extends until December 2030.