The goal of this study is to better understand potential brain differences in children with dyslexia and the effect of treatment therapies.

We are inviting families to participate in a Brown University research study of brain development in children with dyslexia. The study involves taking brain pictures using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) during. This data will allow us to investigate what areas of the brain are involved in language development and understanding, and examine the efficacy of different therapy approaches.

What Is The Aim Of The Study?  What Are We Expecting To Learn With This Research?

Language in a complex neurobehavioral task.  Dyslexia is a common condition that can affect a child’s ability to understand written language.  The underlying causes of Dyslexia remain unknown, but it is believed differences in brain development or structure may be involved.  This research will help us to identify and better understand these potential differences.

Can My Child Participate?

Yes! If your child:

- Was born at term (37-41 weeks) without major complications during delivery.

- Is healthy and has normal hearing and vision.

- Has no metal is his / her body.

- is between 8 and 16 years of age.

To participate, or if you have any questions, please contact us on

(401) 863 - 7661, via email at baby_imaging_lab@brown.edu.

What Will Each Session Involve?

Depending on your child’s age, a set of tasks designed to assess your child’s language, motor control and vision will be performed after arrival at the centre and settling down.  These tests will require 60-120 minutes and will be administered in a play-like atmosphere.   We will also ask you to fill out some questionnaires regarding your child or teenager.  This information will be stored securely and information will be anonymised.  If possible, these tests will be carried out on the same day as the MRI scans, and will be carried out at the MRI facility in a private and cheerfully decorated room.  If it is not possible to perform these tests on the same day as the scan, we will arrange for a time that is convenient and they will be carried out in a large playroom at our lab at 97 Waterman Street (Arnold Lab, near the intersection of Waterman and Thayer Streets).

Following these tests, or on a separate day if more convenient, an MRI session will be scheduled.  The MRI scan lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which your child can watch a movie or TV show of their choice while lying in the scanner.

We have worked hard to minimize the sound of the MRI scanner, making it near silent.  There is a microphone and camera inside the scanner so that we can hear and see your child throughout the scan session.  If you choose, you may stay with your child in the scanner room.  Before entering the scanning room, we will screen you for metal and other MR contraindications and provide you with hearing protection. You can stop the study at any time.  If you think your child is unhappy or distressed, inform us and we will stop.

Is MRI Safe?

MRI is a safe and non-invasive technique that is commonly used to study the brain in infants, children and adults.  It does not involve radiation.  Instead, the MR scanner consists of a powerful magnet, which may attract certain metallic objects.  If your child has metal pieces in his/her body (for example, following an operation), they should not be scanned. 

How Long Will Each Session Last?

The functional assessments will last between 30 and 60 minutes.  The scan will last up to 30 minutes.  The whole session, including preparation time, feeding and settling your baby may last 1-2  hours.  You are free to end the session, for any reason, whenever you wish. 

Where Do The Study Sessions Take Place?

The study sessions will take place at the MRI facility at Brown University (185 Meeting Street, Providence RI, 02906).  Imaging will be performed on a 3 Tesla (3T) Siemens MR imager.

What Do I Or My Baby Gain By Participating In The Study? How Do We Find Out The Results?

We sincerely appreciate the time you are giving up to participate in this study and will, therefore, reimburse you for your time and travel expenses.  You will also receive a copy of the images (playable on your computer or DVD player) and a written report from the neuropsychologist.

Once the study is finished, we will send you a report of the overall findings.  The purpose of the MRI scan is not to make a clinical diagnosis - the images will not provide the same information as those obtained for clinical purposes.  However, in the unlikely event that anything unusual is noticed, the images will be forwarded to a trained and board certified neuroradiologist and you will be informed.  We will leave the decision of whether to forward this information and images onto your family doctor up to you. Other than passing this information to you promptly, the researchers will not be responsible for any further clinical management in this unlikely event.

When Can I Withdraw From the Study?

You can withdraw from the study at any time without need for justification.  We want to make sure that you and your child and happy and relaxed throughout the session and study.

All information we will obtain from you is strictly confidential. We will store the data of your child’s scans, functional evaluations and interviews, as well as GP details, anonymously and safely using secure computerized data storage systems at a secure location within the Barus & Holley Building on Brown University campus. Only members of the research team will have access to this anonymised information.

It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part.  If you do decide to take part, you will be given this information sheet and asked to sign a consent form. You will also be asked to sign the MRI addendum sheet on behalf of your child. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time, without need of justification.

If you agree to take part you may also be asked whether your are happy to be contacted about participating in future research studies.  Your participation in this study will not be affected should you choose not to be contacted about other studies.  A decision to withdraw at any time, or a decision to not take part, will not affect the standard of care you or your child receive.  You may withdraw your child’s data from the project at any time until it is transcribed for use in the final report.

If you have any questions regarding this research, please feel free to contact the lead researcher on this project,

Dr. Sean Deoni, PhD

Telephone: 401-863-7661.

Email: Baby_Imaging_Lab@brown.edu

If you have any questions with regards to yours, or your child’s rights as a research participant, please feel free to contact the Brown University Research Protections Office.

Brown University Research Protections Office.

Telephone: 401-863-3050.