Research at the Shriver Center

The purpose of research at the Shriver Center is to understand human development at every stage -- from the fundamental level of the cellular nervous system to the environmental and social forces that shape behavior and experience.   The Shriver Center conducts an extensive program of research on the causes, treatment, and prevention of developmental disabilities as well as understanding typical development.   Thus, we are always looking for children and adults with and without disabilities to participate in our research programs.

Participating in Research Projects at the Shriver Center

Being a research participant at the Shriver Center can be an interesting and rewarding experience.    We take great care to provide as much information as possible to participants and their families about our projects, which have always been reviewed and approved by the University of Massachusetts Institutional Review Board (IRB).

1. The first step is telephone or email contact with the staff of a particular project who will describe the project to you and answer any questions you may have.

2. Research staff will also have questions to ask about you or your child to determine whether you fit the “inclusion criteria” for the study.  In many cases, we are studying something very specific, and there may be reasons that you or your child might not be eligible to participate in a study, such as age, diagnosis, medical conditions, etc.

3. If it appears that you and/or your child meet inclusion criteria, you will be invited to continue with the process of enrolling in the study.   The next step will be for you to review a Consent Form which outlines in all the steps of the study, its purpose, risks and benefits, and other relevant details.  If you wish to participate in a project, you will be asked to sign the Consent, indicating that you understand and agree to participate in the project.

4. All research conducted at the Shriver Center is voluntary, so you are always free to withdraw from any project at any time.

5. Some projects may provide compensation, to thank participants for their involvement and to cover travel costs.  Compensation is usually modest and is typically in monetary form, but may also be in the form of toys, games, or gift certificates.  

Studies Currently Looking for Participants

Cognitive Variability Study – children ages 10-18.

Comparison of Body Composition by DEXA and Bioelectrical Impedance in Adolescents and Young Adults with Down Syndrome - adolescents (aged 13-21) with Down Syndrome