Music training to help children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Official title: The synchrony study: A randomized controlled trial of music training for children with FASD
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10899537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how music activities can help children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) improve their listening skills, attention, and memory, making learning easier and more fun for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $307,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AA030819-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 years who have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or related cognitive and sensory deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how music training can improve cognitive and sensory skills in children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The study will involve children participating in music activities designed to enhance their auditory perception, attention, and memory. By engaging in these activities, the children will practice predicting and correcting sounds, which may lead to better brain function and improved academic skills. The research aims to provide a new evidence-based intervention for children with FASD, who often lack effective treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive and sensory outcomes for children with FASD, enhancing their academic performance and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that music training can positively impact cognitive and sensory skills in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in children with FASD.
Where this research is happening
-
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stephen, Julia Marie — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Stephen, Julia Marie
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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.