Attention in young children: how brain rhythms relate to focus in kids with and without prenatal alcohol exposure
Official title: Attending to all children: Examining the role of alpha oscillations in attention in young children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure (AsCENd)
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11377432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project will study how brain alpha rhythms are linked to attention in young children, including those exposed to alcohol before birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $648,391 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029605-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants include children with and without prenatal alcohol exposure, from diverse backgrounds, aged up to 11 years.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range or without related exposure history may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how attention develops in children aged 0-11, including those with prenatal alcohol exposure and those from lower-income backgrounds. Researchers will measure brain activity related to attention and compare it between groups to understand neural signs of attention early in life. The study uses noninvasive methods to capture alpha oscillations while children engage with tasks and rest periods. Findings could help identify early markers of attention problems and guide interventions for at-risk kids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier identification and better-targeted supports for children at risk of attention problems.
How similar studies have gone: Prior adult studies show alpha rhythms relate to attention, but this research explores early development in a high-risk pediatric group.
Where this research is happening
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Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stephen, Julia Marie — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Stephen, Julia Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.