The Effectiveness of Attention and Music Training in Children with FASD

2013

CTSC Project: The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of two intervention programs for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, namely music training and attention training. A total of 36 children diagnosed with FASD, ages 5 through 10, will participate in this study. These children are being assigned to one of 3 groups (12 in each): music training, attention training, and control. Prior to training all children receive a battery of neuropsychological tests, which comprises measures of attention, rhythm and melody discrimination, and intellectual ability. High density EEG is recorded during their performance on an attention test and a measure of rhythm and melody discrimination. After completion of these pretests, the music training group receives individualized keyboard training plus exercises for daily practice at home for 6 weeks. The attention training group meets with an experimenter to practice a series of computerized exercises designed to improve working memory and response inhibition. They are also loaned a computer equipped with training exercises for daily practice. At the end of training all participants take posttests, which include neuropsychological tests and EEG. It is expected that the two training groups will show training-induced changes in the brain together with behavioral improvements. This project was supported by the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the NIH through Grant Number 8UL1TR000041.

Performing Research or Evaluation

Other

Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

None

National

Federal

N/A