The Synchrony Study: Examining Music Training for Children With FASD

Launched by THE MIND RESEARCH NETWORK · Aug 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Synchrony Study is a research trial looking into whether music training can help improve behavior and thinking skills in children who have been affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The study aims to find out if practicing the piano or listening to music daily for 12 weeks can help these children manage their emotions better and improve their attention and memory.

To participate, children need to be diagnosed with FASD and have confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. They should be between the ages of 8 and 14. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will practice piano, while the other will listen to music, with each activity lasting for 12 weeks. Before and after each activity, the children will be assessed to see if there have been any improvements. It's important to note that children with certain other developmental issues or those who have had significant brain injuries are not eligible for this study. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and families interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children must receive a research designation of FASD
• • Children must have confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with other confirmed developmental disorders that are not deemed associated with FASD (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome). Children with attention deficits (e.g. ADHD) are not excluded.
• • Children with neurological disorders (epilepsy, cerebral palsy, etc.)
• • Children who have experienced a traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness \>10 minutes
• • Children with intelligence quotient scores \<70
• • Children who are, or become, a ward of the state; however children with a legal representative who can consent on their behalf will not be excluded
• • Children with ongoing music training outside of school or \>1 year of prior private music lessons.