Understanding why some kids have learning difficulties and ADHD and how they’re helped
Official title: Differential Diagnosis in Learning Disabilities
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11400010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-running program looks at why some children have learning disabilities and ADHD, aiming to improve understanding, training, access to services, and outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 1996 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,757,773 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD027802-34 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children and youths with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, and their families who could benefit from improved assessment, training, and access to resources.
✕Less likely to help
Children without learning disabilities or ADHD may not directly benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This grant supports a collaborative program that studies genetic and environmental factors behind learning disabilities and related conditions like ADHD and anxiety. It combines basic science with clinical training and aims to share findings with families, teachers, and clinicians. The work emphasizes engaging communities to reduce barriers to services and applying results to real-world settings for children and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of what contributes to learning disabilities and ADHD could lead to earlier identification and more effective, accessible support for kids and their families.
How similar studies have gone: There is a track record of progress in linking genetics and environment to learning disabilities and ADHD, with ongoing dissemination of findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Willcutt, Erik G — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Willcutt, Erik G
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.