Clinical Studies
Brain changes in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are due to an interaction of "hardware" (structural changes) and "software" (functional changes) that are influenced by body physiology. Behaviors defining autism and other conditions can come from various versions of these interactions. Treatment depends on a) identifying biologically distinct subgroups and b) identifying "software" that we can modify when it makes sense to increase constructive options.
The goal of TRANSCEND is to give every patient the opportunity to teach us important things about their ASD. We offer each patient the opportunity to participate in clinical research and will make every effort to offer Patients who come through the Partners Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder (PCASD) center whatever assessments are indicated by their own individual situation.
If you would like to learn more about our studies, please call Alyssa Orinstein (Research Assistant) at 617-966-9766 or email TRANSCEND@partners.org.
Screening visits, MRI, and MEG studies take place at the Charlestown Navy Yard (Massachusetts General Hospital’s Research Campus). The EEG studies take place at the Center for Child and Adolescent Development, which is part of the Cambridge Health Alliance.
Study Descriptions
The MRI, MEG, and EEG are considered entirely safe. Risks may include boredom or restlessness. People who experience claustrophobia should not volunteer for the MRI study. There are no known side effects of the MRI, MEG, or EEG.
Eligibility Screening
During the screening visit, an examiner will work with your child. This examiner has special training in working with children, including children with special needs. The examiner will present a variety of tasks to your child. Sometimes the examiner will ask your child to answer questions. The test results will tell us about your child’s reasoning, language, motor, and play skills. The visit will last about 2 hours. If your child needs more time to finish, you can come back for an extra visit.
We will also ask you to complete some questionnaires and/or interviews about your child’s development, medical history, behavior, social skills, and language skills.
Once we have reviewed the test results, we will let you know for which of our studies you qualify. We will tell you about that study, and answer any questions you have.
MRI Study: Neurobehavioral Testing & Scanner Preparation
Over the course of two to three visits a trained examiner will work with your child to present a variety of tasks to your child. The purpose of these two to three hour-long visits is to complete the testing, and to prepare your child for the MRI scan. The test results will tell us about your child’s thinking and reasoning skills, academic skills, language skills, motor skills, and memory.
MRI Study
For this study, we will be using MRI to acquire structural images of the brain. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, non-invasive method that uses the strength of a magnetic field to obtain images of tissue within the body.
MEG Study
For this study, we will use the MEG machine to measure these magnetic fields as your child is presented with auditory stimuli through earphones and visual stimuli on a screen. An MEG (magnetoencephalogram) is a safe, non-invasive method used to measure the magnetic fields in the brain (just as EEG measures the electric field of the brain). It does not emit any magnetic fields, it only measures them.
EEG Study
While undergoing an EEG, your child will be asked to sit still and not speak while watching a muted video, and then to look at different things on a computer screen. Other parts of the study will include having your child look at flashes of light. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a safe, non-invasive method to measure the electrical activity of the brain.
Biomarker Study
TRANSCEND is starting a biomarker program to measure metabolic and immune markers in blood and urine, in order to learn about the relationship between body changes and the brain changes we are studying. Participants in our brain studies will have the opportunity to contribute to this innovative and integrative line of research.