Spectral and source structural development of mu and alpha rhythms from infancy through adulthood.
Samuel G Thorpe, Erin N Cannon, Nathan A Fox
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25910852Actively Recruiting
Age: 9Months - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID03307317
Mirror Neuron Network Dysfunction as an Early Biomarker of Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Led by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) · Updated on 2026-05-29
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying brain activity related to watching and imitating actions to understand early social and communication development in infants, toddlers, and adults. This observational study focuses on typical brain function and aims to identify brain patterns linked to social communication skills and potential impairments in infants at risk for developmental delays or disorders. The study involves two groups of infants: typically developing infants and infants at increased risk for social communication disorders. Infants participate in brain imaging sessions using EEG and fNIRS while observing actions, along with developmental assessments. Adults participate in one visit involving questionnaires, a motor task, and brain imaging. Infants at risk have follow-up visits around age 2 to evaluate development without brain imaging. Participants undergo assessments of communication, motor, cognitive, and social skills. Parents complete questionnaires about family and child development. Brain activity is recorded during observation tasks, and some assessments are videotaped. Researchers measure developmental levels and brain responses like mu suppression and hemodynamic changes to understand brain development and social communication. The study runs through February 2031, with various visits and follow-ups depending on group and risk status.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mirror Neuron Network Dysfunction as an Early Biomarker of Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Who Can Participate
Age: 9Months - 65Years
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 65 years who are healthy and in good condition
- Infants approximately 9 months old (± 2 weeks), healthy and developmentally appropriate
- Infants approximately 12 months old (± 2 weeks) with at least one risk factor: developmental delay, sibling with autism, premature birth, or small for gestational age
- English as the primary language spoken at home
You will not qualify if you...
- Adults with uncorrected hearing or vision problems
- Adults with head injury causing loss of consciousness
- Adults unable to provide consent or with conditions posing unacceptable risk
- Infants with a primary language other than English at home
- Infants with medical impairments interfering with participation, such as feeding tubes, shunts, seizure disorders, or inability to hold head upright
- Infants with known visual or auditory impairments
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration - Single visit or up to 2 visits depending on group
Participants complete brain imaging and developmental assessments to measure neural activity and developmental abilities.
1 to 2 visits depending on group and age
Long-term Monitoring
Duration - Up to 12 months after initial evaluation
Participants at risk for social communication disorders are followed up with evaluation of social communication skills and developmental status approximately 12 months after initial assessment.
1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
M
Maria J Ayoub, Ph.D.
A
Amir H Gandjbakhche, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
3
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Published Research Related To This Trial
The mirror mechanism and mu rhythm in social development.
Ross E Vanderwert, Nathan A Fox, Pier F Ferrari
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23063953Prefrontal Hemodynamics in Toddlers at Rest: A Pilot Study of Developmental Variability.
Afrouz A Anderson, Elizabeth Smith, Fatima A Chowdhry...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28611578