Understanding developmental disabilities in children and teens in rural Zambia
Transdiagnostic Associations Across Developmental Disorders
Researchers will gather health, family, brain, and genetic information from children and teens with developmental disabilities in rural Zambia to learn what causes their difficulties and what supports they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my child joins, the team will enroll about 4,000 children aged 3–18 with developmental disabilities and their matched siblings in rural Zambia. Study staff will collect medical histories, developmental and behavioral assessments, brain-related measures, and genetic samples, along with information about family and community services. They will classify possible causes of the disabilities, note potential treatment options, and document what services are available and used. The project aims to link social, behavioral, brain, and genetic information to guide better care and local supports.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children aged 3–18 living in rural Zambia with developmental disabilities (for example, epilepsy, intellectual disability, or vision/hearing loss) and their siblings are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children without developmental disabilities or those who live outside the study region or age range are unlikely to receive direct benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could improve how causes are recognized and lead to better-targeted services and supports for children with developmental disabilities in rural Zambia.
How similar studies have performed: Related multi-level studies in other regions have helped identify causes and service gaps, but a large, comprehensive effort focused on rural Zambia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grigorenko, Elena L — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Grigorenko, Elena L
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 below.