Brain Imaging Studies

Child Neuroscience Laboratory PI: Kevin Pelphrey

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique commonly used by doctors and scientists to see inside of the body using magnetic pulses. Our research is called functional MRI because we take pictures of the brain while participants are viewing pictures, hearing sounds, or watching videos. We are studying how the brain develops in children, adolescents, and adults.

Our lab works with children of all ages and has had much success scanning children age 4 and older. We spend time practicing with a simulator scanner so that children can get used to the scanner noises and lying very still so the brain pictures aren't blurry.

Below, we have listed the current studies that are open for enrollment. To learn more about fMRI, please visit our website to watch our videos.

  • For more information about eligibility and participating, contact our Research Intake Coordinator, Erin MacDonnell at (203) 737-3439.
  • To learn more about what it's like to participate in an MRI, please visit http://www.yale.edu/cnl/

Oxytocin, the Brain and Autism

Purpose:

To examine how the hormone Oxytocin impacts social-communication, social behavior, and brain functioning in children and adolescents with ASD. Participants will come to the Child Neuroscience Lab at Yale for two visits accompanied by a parent/guardian. During one visit they will receive a single administration of Oxytocin in nasal spray form, and during the other a placebo nasal spray will be administered. Participants will then be asked to have a conversation with their parent about a fun activity they’ve had – this conversation will allow us to examine how oxytocin impacts social communication. Participants will then have a 30-minute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan while watching a series of movies and viewing pictures.

Criteria for Participation:
We are looking for children and adolescents ages 7-18 years old, who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate in this research study. We will also need a parent to accompany them. Participants need to be in good medical health and must speak English as their first language. All participants must meet MRI safety and Oxytocin administration eligibility.

Research Components:

  • Oxytocin/placebo nasal spray
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
  • Saliva collection for genetic and hormone analyses
  • Parent-Child /Adolescent Interactions

Longitudinal Neurogenetics of Atypical Social Brain Development in Autism

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how the brain develops social skills and abilities. We will evaluate the cognitive and emotional function of individuals with and without autism. Participants will have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan while watching a series of movies and viewing pictures. Children will be asked to return for three annual visits. Both adult and child participants will also have their blood drawn. This research will allow us to better understand the interaction of gene, brain, and behavior.

Criteria for Participation:

All participants must be meet MRI safety eligibility.

  • Children (age 4-8) with an ASD
  • Children (age 4-8) without an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) with an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) without an ASD

Research Components:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
  • Genetic collection

Charting Brain Development in Autism

Purpose:

This study aims to learn more about how the brain differs across development in individuals with autism, without autism, and individuals whose sibling is on the autism spectrum. In this ongoing study, we will see young children, adolescents, and young adults (spanning ages 4 to 35) for a MRI scan. We encourage all families and individuals to participate in a blood draw.

Criteria for Participation:

All participants must be meet MRI safety eligibility.

  • Children (age 4-17) with an ASD
  • Children (age 4-17) without an ASD
  • Children (age 4-17) whose sibling has an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) with an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) without an ASD
Research Components:
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
  • Genetic collection (optional but strongly encouraged)

Neuroimaging of the Development of Neural Mechanisms for Number Processing

Purpose:

As children grow older, the ability to think about and process numbers is very important. Little is known about how the brain develops these skills, or if there are certain ways that specific people learn best. This study will investigate how the brain thinks about number and how that might later help the development of mathematical, computing, and processing abilities across domains. Children are being asked to participate in one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan annually for three years. Children may also come back for additional Visits to practice for the MRI.

Criteria for Participation:

  • Children (age 4-12) without an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) without an ASD

Research Components:

  • All participants: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan/s
  • Adults: Personality and social opinion surveys
  • Children: Assessments and paper-and-pencil tests

Neuroimaging of the Development of Social Cognition

Purpose:

We are investigating how typically developing children develop the skills necessary to interact with other people. This study will examine the brain mechanisms involved in processing social and emotional cues. Children will be asked to return for two annually magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Criteria for Participation:

  • Children (age 5, 9, or 13) without an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) without an ASD

Research Components:

  • All participants: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan/s
  • Adults: Personality and social opinion surveys
  • Children: Assessments and paper-and-pencil tests

Regression in Autism

Purpose:

Regression, a loss of developmental milestones, has been associated with the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) since they were first described. This study aims to learn more about regression, and how the brains of children with regression differ from children with non-regressive autism. In this ongoing study, we will see young children, adolescents, and young adults (spanning ages 4 to 35) for an MRI scan and psychological testing. We encourage all families and individuals to participate in a blood draw. We are very interested in recruiting all children with regression to this study, including those diagnosed with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and those with normal development for their first two years.

Criteria for Participation:

All participants must meet MRI safety eligibility.

  • Children (age 4-17) with an ASD
  • Children (age 4-17) without an ASD
  • Children (age 4-17) whose sibling has an ASD
  • Adults (age 18-35) with an ASD 
  • Adults (age 18-35) without an ASD