Parents often have many questions about what to expect when their child participates in research with the Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research.
In this section you will find information about some of the procedures your child will undergo, things you can do to prepare for your child's visit, and accommodation suggestions for families coming from out of town.
Once you have checked in at our office, one of our psychology associates will go over the consent form for the study with you and your child. We will discuss the schedule for the day, potential risks associated with the study, and answer any questions you or your child may have. We will ask both you and your child to sign the consent form indicating that the study has been explained to you.
Next, your child will be taken to our testing room to participate in an IQ test, computer game, and paper and pencil testing. You must remain at Kennedy Krieger Institute so that your child can check in with you every hour or so. Your child will get as many breaks between testing as he or she needs.
You will have plenty of down time while your child participates in the study. You may bring a book, magazines, or work to occupy you for the day. We offer free wireless internet, so you may bring a laptop.
Your child will be given a one- hour break for lunch. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or visit the Johns Hopkins Hospital Cafeteria about two blocks away. The cafeteria offers pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of other foods. They accept cash, debit, or credit cards.
After lunch, your child will participate in a practice MRI scan. We will give your child foam earplugs, slowly ease them back into the machine, and start the noises quietly on a CD player. Your child will either watch a movie or play a game as we gradually increase the scanner noises. After the practice scan, your child will either participate in a real MRI scan or finish paper and pencil testing.
At the end of the day, we will let you know if you will need to come for another full day to complete the second phase of the study, or if you will need to come for only a partial day.
The second day will consist of an MRI scan (if your child did not complete one on the first day), more paper and pencil testing, and more computer game testing. Please review our What is an MRI? and Preparing for an MRI pages for MRI-related information. If you have any additional questions, please contact one of our psychology associates.