The Child Longitudinal Study
The Child Longitudinal Study looks at how brains develop as children mature. This study is open to children and adolescents from ages 6 to 17 who live in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, and Bergen Counties.
The Child Longitudinal Study is currently funded by the US National Institutes of Health and the NY State Office of Mental Health. Results from this study are shared with research scientists around the world to speed scientific discovery.
Study visits
This study takes place at the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) in Orangeburg, NY, which is easily accessible by municipal bus routes. It includes a total of five visits (two short and three long visits) over a two year period which are set up for the convenience of participants. Both weekday and weekend hours are available. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult during all their visits at NKI.
The first visit is short and allows participants to learn more about the study and what is involved.
The second visit lasts a full day (somewhat less for younger children) and includes a general medical evaluation, questionnaires, interviews about emotions and life experiences, cognitive tests (of memory, attention, and problem solving), and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. MRIs are non-invasive and use no radiation or dyes.
The third visit is very brief, includes an MRI scan, and takes place shortly after the second one.
The next two visits occur approximately one and two years later and involve many of the same activities completed in the previous ones.
Participants’ results
Families of children who participate will receive written and verbal feedback about their child’s results from a licensed clinician. They can also have a copy of their MRI report and a CD with a picture of their child’s brain.
Confidentiality
Participants’ confidential health information is protected by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the US Government. Scientific results that are shared with qualified research scientists will not include any personal identifying information.
Payment
Participants will receive a total of $220 for the first two visits and $135 for each of the three additional visits. In addition, lunch will be provided on full-day visits. Transportation costs are included in the total payment of the study.
This is a great opportunity for children and adolescents to learn about the tools scientists use to understand how the brain works. Many children enjoy the different brain games and love the opportunity to see a picture of their own brain.
CURRENT STUDIES
Rockland Sample II: Community Lifespan Study
COMPLETED STUDIES
The Child Longitudinal Study
The Rockland Sample Pilot Study
If you are interested in participating in a Rockland Sample study, please call 845-835-3008 or fill out a contact form here.