Understanding how childhood experiences affect brain development in adolescents

RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN COGNITIVE DEVELOPENT (ABCD) STUDY AND HEALTHY BRAIN & CHILD DEVELOPMENT (HBCD) STUDY

NIH-funded research Iq Solutions, INC. · NIH-11196830

The ABCD Study is looking at how different experiences in childhood, like playing sports or using social media, affect the brain and health of kids aged 9-10, so families and teachers can better support their growth into happy, healthy young adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIq Solutions, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rockville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11196830 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study investigates the long-term effects of various childhood experiences on brain development and overall health in adolescents. Researchers are tracking the biological and behavioral development of 11,880 children aged 9-10 across the United States, using advanced technology to analyze how factors like sports, social media, and sleep patterns influence brain growth and social outcomes. This comprehensive approach aims to provide valuable insights for families, educators, and health professionals to support children's well-being as they grow into young adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 9-10 who are willing to engage in a long-term study of their brain development and health.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 9-10 or those who are unable to participate in longitudinal studies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for promoting healthy brain development and better outcomes for children as they transition into adolescence and adulthood.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in adolescent brain development has shown promising results, indicating that understanding the interplay of various childhood experiences can lead to significant advancements in promoting healthy development.

Where this research is happening

Rockville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.