Learn more about the studies our lab is currently running...
Child & Youth Studies

Creyos Reliability Study: Determining Reliability of an Online Screener of Cognitive Impairments in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Some of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelop-mental disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and intellectual disability (ID). These disorders are characterized by diverse cognitive challenges that can vary within and between diagnoses. However, many children in need of therapies are unable to access standardized testing due to lack of resources, lack of access, and lack of appropriate test measures. Online cognitive testing that is easily accessible for children and families would offer an opportunity to identify cognitive deficits and track progress over time. The goal of this research is to validate existing cognitive tests using an online administration for children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. Results from the
online tasks will be compared to results from an in-
person psycho-educational assessment to determine
whether the online tasks can reliably identify cognitive
profiles of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are recruiting children ages 6–12 years old both WITH
and WITHOUT neurodevelopmental disorders to participate
in this study. Participation involves online cognitive tests
and in-person psychoeducational assessments, and
compensation is provided for your time. To learn more,
please fill out the contact form on our website.
Some of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelop-mental disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and intellectual disability (ID). These disorders are characterized by diverse cognitive challenges that can vary within and between diagnoses. However, many children in need of therapies are unable to access standardized testing due to lack of resources, lack of access, and lack of appropriate test measures. Online cognitive testing that is easily accessible for children and families would offer an opportunity to identify cognitive deficits and track progress over time. The goal of this research is to validate existing cognitive tests using an online administration for children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. Results from the
online tasks will be compared to results from an in-
person psycho-educational assessment to determine
whether the online tasks can reliably identify cognitive
profiles of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are recruiting children ages 6–12 years old both WITH
and WITHOUT neurodevelopmental disorders to participate
in this study. Participation involves online cognitive tests
and in-person psychoeducational assessments, and
compensation is provided for your time. To learn more,
please fill out the contact form on our website.

The COLLIDE Study: Concussion, Cognition & Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
The COLLIDE study is examining post-concussive syndrome among children and youth. Our goal is to use online computer games to better understand how concussions impact cognition and mental health. We are recruiting children and youth ages 4-21 with concussions and anywhere in Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom, to participate in this study. The study involves questionnaires and computer games, and you will be compensated for your time. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out the contact form on our website.
The COLLIDE study is examining post-concussive syndrome among children and youth. Our goal is to use online computer games to better understand how concussions impact cognition and mental health. We are recruiting children and youth ages 4-21 with concussions and anywhere in Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom, to participate in this study. The study involves questionnaires and computer games, and you will be compensated for your time. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out the contact form on our website.

The CABIN Study: Child and Adolescent Brain Imaging Network
The CABIN study examines differences in brain structure and function among children and youth both with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. Children and youth between 6 months old – 21 years old, who have not been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, are invited to participate. We are also recruiting children and youth between 6 months old – 21 years old who have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participation involves 2 in-person sessions where you complete an MRI scan, cognitive and behavioural assessments, and
questionnaires. Each session takes approximately 2h and
compensation is provided for your time. If you are
interested in learning more, please email us at
[email protected] or fill out the contact form on our
website.
The CABIN study examines differences in brain structure and function among children and youth both with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. Children and youth between 6 months old – 21 years old, who have not been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, are invited to participate. We are also recruiting children and youth between 6 months old – 21 years old who have been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participation involves 2 in-person sessions where you complete an MRI scan, cognitive and behavioural assessments, and
questionnaires. Each session takes approximately 2h and
compensation is provided for your time. If you are
interested in learning more, please email us at
[email protected] or fill out the contact form on our
website.

The Bright Start Study: Growing Up in the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of heightened stress for many families. Early life experiences—including maternal stress—may influence how children grow, learn, and develop, particularly during their earliest years. The goal of this study is to better understand how stress experienced during the pandemic relates to child development and brain growth. We are specifically interested in early brain development during the toddler and preschool years. We are currently recruiting children who were born after February 1st, 2020, to participate in this study. Participation involves MRI scans, play-based developmental assessments, and parent questionnaires. These sessions take place at Western University across multiple timepoints between ages 2 and 4. Compen-sation in the form of Amazon gift cards is provided for
your time. To learn more, please fill out the contact form
on our website or email [email protected] or
[email protected].
The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of heightened stress for many families. Early life experiences—including maternal stress—may influence how children grow, learn, and develop, particularly during their earliest years. The goal of this study is to better understand how stress experienced during the pandemic relates to child development and brain growth. We are specifically interested in early brain development during the toddler and preschool years. We are currently recruiting children who were born after February 1st, 2020, to participate in this study. Participation involves MRI scans, play-based developmental assessments, and parent questionnaires. These sessions take place at Western University across multiple timepoints between ages 2 and 4. Compen-sation in the form of Amazon gift cards is provided for
your time. To learn more, please fill out the contact form
on our website or email [email protected] or
[email protected].
Pregnancy Studies

FIND: Fetal Imaging and Neurodevelopment Study
This study is examining placental health and maternal well-being using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our goal is to learn more about how a mother's placental health affects the baby’s brain. We are recruiting women who are currently pregnant in the 3rd trimester, and women who recently gave birth in the last 6 months. Compensation is provided for your time. For more information or to learn more, please fill out the contact form on our website.
This study is examining placental health and maternal well-being using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our goal is to learn more about how a mother's placental health affects the baby’s brain. We are recruiting women who are currently pregnant in the 3rd trimester, and women who recently gave birth in the last 6 months. Compensation is provided for your time. For more information or to learn more, please fill out the contact form on our website.

PEACH: Pregnancy, Environment, and Child Health Study
The PEACH study is investigating maternal oral health, mental health, and placental functioning using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. We are currently recruiting pregnant women (ages 18-40) to participate in this study. Participation involves an oral health assessment, 2 MRI scans, and questionnaires about mental health and lifestyle. Each visit takes between 1 - 1.5 hours to complete and compensation is provided for your time. For more information, please fill out the contact form on our website.
The PEACH study is investigating maternal oral health, mental health, and placental functioning using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. We are currently recruiting pregnant women (ages 18-40) to participate in this study. Participation involves an oral health assessment, 2 MRI scans, and questionnaires about mental health and lifestyle. Each visit takes between 1 - 1.5 hours to complete and compensation is provided for your time. For more information, please fill out the contact form on our website.

The TIGER Study: Fetal Neuroimaging and Growth Restriction
The TIGER study is looking at fetal growth restriction during pregnancy and infant development. Women who are currently pregnant and diagnosed with fetal growth restriction may be eligible to participate. The study involves MRI scans and questionnaires, and compensation is provided for your time. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out the contact form on our website.
The TIGER study is looking at fetal growth restriction during pregnancy and infant development. Women who are currently pregnant and diagnosed with fetal growth restriction may be eligible to participate. The study involves MRI scans and questionnaires, and compensation is provided for your time. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out the contact form on our website.

The EMBRACE Study: Enhancing Fetal Outcomes Through Diabetes Management and MRI-Based Evaluation
The EMBRACE study is investigating how the placenta and diabetes (gestational, Type 1, or Type 2) affects infant brain development. Pregnant women (ages 18-45) may be eligible to participate. Participation involves 2 MRI scans during pregnancy, 2 MRI scans of your baby after they are born, and questionnaires about your mental health and your baby's development. Each visit takes between 1-1.5 hours to complete and compensation will be provided. For more information, please email [email protected] or fill out the form on our website.
The EMBRACE study is investigating how the placenta and diabetes (gestational, Type 1, or Type 2) affects infant brain development. Pregnant women (ages 18-45) may be eligible to participate. Participation involves 2 MRI scans during pregnancy, 2 MRI scans of your baby after they are born, and questionnaires about your mental health and your baby's development. Each visit takes between 1-1.5 hours to complete and compensation will be provided. For more information, please email [email protected] or fill out the form on our website.