1. AtHENS Study
  2. Attention, Hyperactivity, and Early Neurodevelopment Study (AtHENS)

Attention, Hyperactivity, and Early Neurodevelopment Study (AtHENS)

Principal Investigator: Heather Joseph, DO
Funding Source: NIMH

The Attention, Hyperactivity, and Neurodevelopment research study (AtHENS) will examine neurodevelopment and emerging ADHD symptoms in young children using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, or fNIRS. This research will help improve our ability to identify early indicators of inattention and childhood ADHD in the future.

The AtHENS study will enroll 210 children ages 3-4 and their primary caregivers. Participants will help researchers learn more about attention and brain development in young children. Compensation is provided.

For more information about the AtHENS study, please fill out the contact form below, call or text 412-420-8309, or send an email to AtHENSstudy@upmc.edu.

Participate in the AtHENS Study

If you would like a study staff member to contact you about the AtHENS research study, please click here to fill out a short survey and provide your contact information.

If you have questions about the study, you may also contact us at 412-420-8309 or AtHENSstudy@upmc.edu for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I be asked to do for the study?
Participation in the AtHENS study will involve 2 in-person study visits plus 5 parent surveys, totaling approximately 8-10 hours over 2 years.

  • The in-person visits will take place at our offices in Oakland.
  • All questionnaires will be completed online.

During the in-person study visits, you and your child will wear fNIRS headcaps while performing tasks like completing a puzzle together or watching a video. Children will also complete several neurocognitive assessments with an AtHENS study staff member.

What is fNIRS?
fNIRS, or functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, uses light to examine how the brain responds to certain activities and at rest. fNIRS does not use radiation and involves wearing a headcap (like a swim cap) that is connected to a computer.

Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate. Families who are eligible will be compensated for their participation.

Who may participate?
We are enrolling children aged 3-4 and their primary caregiver. Approximately 2/3 of enrolled children will have elevated symptoms of ADHD or trouble with attention/hyperactivity, and 1/3 will not.

How do I participate?
To get more information or to be screened for the study, please text “MORE INFO” to 412-420-8309 or email AtHENSstudy@upmc.edu. You may also fill out our contact form here.

About ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that affects many children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (trouble focusing), hyperactivity (excess movement or restlessness) and impulsivity (hasty actions that occur in the moment without thinking). For more information about and resources for ADHD, visit our website resources page.