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More Information about all Studies

Doctor Operating CT Scanner

PEACH

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE), and affects 4% of individuals in Canada. Key features of FASD are learning, growth and behaviour problems, and most people with FASD (>90%) also have mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are among the most common. However, treatments for depression and anxiety are much less likely to be effective in individuals with PAE. This is, in part, because we do not understand the brain differences in youth PAE, and how these underlie mental health difficulties. A better knowledge of brain development in children and youth with PAE, and how brain features are related to mental health symptoms, would enable us to target treatments to the right time, place, and individual.

What does the study involve?

 

​​Participation in the PEACH study includes appointments at 3 time points.

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​Time 1: Baseline (done over 1 or 2 days)

  • 1.5 hour appointment for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

  • 2-4 hour appointment for a cognitive and behavioural assessment​

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Time 2: Online Follow-up

  • 1 year after Baseline visit(s)

  • Parent and child will both be asked to complete online questionnaires (15-30 minutes required)

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Time 3: In-person Follow-up (done 1 or 2 days)

  • 2 years after Baseline visit(s)

  • 1.5 hour appointment for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

  • 2-4 hour appointment for a cognitive and behavioural assessment

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Gift card compensations are given at all time points!

Eligibility Criteria

 

To be eligible for the PEACH study, participants must be:​

  • 7-21 years old

  • Have confirmed/documented heavy prenatal exposure to alcohol or be diagnosed with FASD,OR confirmed absence of alcohol exposure

  • Able to speak/understand English

  • Able to lie still for approximately 20 minutes (while watching a movie)

  • Able to wear ear plugs or headphones​

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Participants are not eligible for this study if they:​

  • Have been diagnosed with a neurological or neurodevelopment disorder including autism, cerebral palsy, major intellectual disability, epilepsy; major medical illnesses, congenital abnormalities; genetic disorders associated with motor or cognitive disabilities.

    • ADHD, learning disabilities and language delay are OK.

  • Have had a major head trauma

  • Were born premature (<34 weeks' gestation) or experienced fetal distress.

  • Have certain metal implants or metal dental devices that are not MTI compatible (check with us regarding eligibility)

  • Are severely claustrophobic

Work Interview

Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 

We want to learn more about the mental and physical health of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how this differs from individuals who were not prenatally exposed to alcohol. We can then use our findings to provide experts with the knowledge to create additional resources for such individuals with FASD or others who may benefit from such resources.

What does the study involve?

 

This study is designed to take about 3 hours in person and can be completed in one visit or a combination of one in person visit and one phone call.

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1. Mental health Questionnaires​

2. iPad games

3. Health measurements

4. Facial imaging 

5. Take home kit (saliva and fecal sample)

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You will be compensated for your time with a gift card!

Eligibility Criteria

 

To be eligible for this study, participants must be:​

  • ​Individuals with an FASD diagnosis over 19 years old

  • Individuals WITHOUT an FASD diagnosis over 19 years old

  • ​Individuals over 65 years of age

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IMMUNE HERO STUDY

We're exploring how fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and autism (ASD) shape children's health. This study looks at how FASD and ASD affect the brain, heart, immune system, and gut microbiome. By understanding these connections, we aim to strengthen support for children with FASD and autistic children — turning research into real-world change for families, educators, and healthcare providers.

Childern study science

What does the study involve?

 

This study takes 2-3 hours at the Owerko Child Development Centre (across the street from the Alberta Children's Hospital).

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1. Mental Health and Physical Health Questionnaires​

2. iPad games

3. Health measurements

4. ECG

5. Blood sample

6. Take home kit (saliva and fecal sample)

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You will be compensated for your time with a gift card!

Eligibility Criteria

 

To be eligible for the IMUNE HERO study, participants must be:​

  • Children aged 7-12​

  • Diagnosed with FASD, ASD, OR typically developing children

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*Parent/Guardian of the child will also be asked to complete a number of questionnaires about the child

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