Exploring emotional regulation in young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Emotional-behavioral Regulation in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: an Exploratory Investigation of the Role of Genomic Variation, Proteomic Patterns, and Quality of Early Experience

Observational IRCCS Eugenio Medea · NCT05004090

This study looks at how genes and early experiences affect the way young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities manage their emotions.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment248 (estimated)
Ages3 Months to 24 Months
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Eugenio Medea Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bosisio Parini, Lecco)
Trial IDNCT05004090 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the emotional regulation of children aged 3 to 24 months with neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND) by examining the roles of genomic variations, proteomic patterns, and early environmental experiences. The study aims to understand how factors such as DNA methylation, genetic polymorphisms, and parental behaviors contribute to emotional-behavioral regulation in these children. By analyzing biological and environmental influences, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that affect developmental trajectories in children with ND.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 3 to 24 months with mild to moderate developmental delays due to neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Not a fit: Patients with genetic syndromes or those who do not meet the specified developmental criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and interventions for emotional regulation in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored emotional regulation in typically developing children, this approach focusing on genomic and proteomic factors in children with ND is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Children with ND:

* Age between 3 and 24 months (chronologically or corrected in the case of children born preterm);
* mild to moderate developmental delay documented by clinical signs (e.g., symptoms of brain injury on neurological examination or neuroimaging) or by developmental scales (i.e., Griffiths III scales) associated with various diagnoses (e.g., cerebral palsy, prematurity);
* absence of genetic syndromes. The Griffiths III scale will be used to assess the child's overall level of development.

Typical developmental children:

* birth to term;
* age between 3 and 24 months (chronological);
* absence of peri- or postnatal pathology.

Inclusion criteria for mothers (DN and typical development):

* age above 18 years;
* good understanding of the Italian language;
* absence of cognitive difficulties and/or psychiatric disorders;
* no intake of psychotropic medications;
* not part of a single-parent family.

Exclusion Criteria: refer to the inclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Bosisio Parini, Lecco

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neurodevelopmental DisabilitiesEmotional RegulationEpigeneticsParental Factors
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.