Our research

Research at DM-CRL on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) aims to:

  • Identify disorder subtypes for targeted treatments.
  • Develop improved clinical data collection methods to enhance care and research.
  • Evaluate diagnoses, treatment responses, and long-term outcomes.
  • Link symptoms, behaviors, developmental patterns, and treatment responses to biomarkers like EEG, fMRI, bio samples, and genetic markers.
  • Collaborate with researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital and worldwide institutions.

Current research studies

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BRAVE RHINO Study

What is this study about?

Anxiety in young children may look like avoiding certain situations, difficulty separating from caregivers, or persistent reassurance seeking. When these behaviors occur often, it may be distressing and impact a child’s ability to participate in certain situations. Anxiety disorders are among the most common co-occurring conditions in children on the autism spectrum. The purpose of the BRAVE study is to better understand the physiological markers of anxiety — like how sweaty a child’s hands are, heart rate, and brain activity — in response to intervention. This could allow us to better identify which tests are best for measuring anxiety in autistic children in the future. Learn more about the BRAVE RHINO study.

Teen CRUSH study

The teen crush study aims to learn what factors (if any) impact an autistic teen’s experience with romantic and sexual relationships. Together with teens on the autism spectrum, we plan to develop a new knowledge- and skills-based training program for dating and sexual health. We want to hear from teens on the spectrum about what kinds of information and skills they believe are crucial for developing a training program that promotes positive change.

Learn more about the Teen Crush study.

Project CAPE-abilities

What is this study about?

Early communication and play skills in young children with Down syndrome and how they are related to the development of social and thinking skills. We are also interested in how this relates to co-occurring medical and developmental diagnoses.

Learn more about Project CAPE-abilities

Forward March study

What is this study about?

The goal of the FORWARD-MARCH study is to better understand the natural history of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and to find out how we can improve the lives of individuals with FXS and the lives of their families.

Learn more about the Forward March study

PUMA Study

What is this study about?

The PUMAA study aims to equip children and their caregivers with the knowledge and skills that will help promote healthy choices and prevent risky behaviors, such as substance use.

Learn more about the PUMA study

Birthday study

What is this study about?

We are studying the fascinating connection between biology and learning in infants with Down syndrome! 

Learn more about the birthday study. 

Reconnect study

What is this study about?

This is a randomized study to test the safety and effectiveness of a medication to treat behavioral symptoms associated with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) including social withdrawal, inattention, anxiety, and irritability.

Learn more about the Reconnect study.

CHD-ASD sequencing study

What is this study about?

The goal of the CHD-ASD sequencing study is to find genetic factors that cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and congenital heart disease (CHD).

Learn more about the CHD study

DNA Study

What is this study about?

A genetics-based approach for diagnosing and treating multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD.

Learn more about the DNA study

Check out other opportunities in our research areas!

The Autism Spectrum Center

Down Syndrome Program

Fragile X Program

Want to be a part of this? Join our research.
Who will you meet if you join a research study? Meet our team.

Investigator spotlight

William Joseph Barbaresi, MD

Dr. William Barbaresi, MD, is a principal investigator and chief of the DDM. Dr. Barbaresi’s research focuses on population-based studies of developmental disorders. His research group has published the most comprehensive information to date on associations between treatment of childhood ADHD and long-term outcomes.  They also published the first long-term study of the changing incidence of autism in the US.

Contact Us

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