Exploring how brain development affects social emotions and communication in young children

A Cohort Study on the Brain Mechanism of Social Emotion and Communication in Infants Aged 0 to 6 Years

Observational Children's Hospital of Fudan University · NCT05040542

This study looks at how the development of a child's brain affects their ability to express emotions and communicate as they grow from infants to young children.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3001 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Fudan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xiamen, Fujian)
Trial IDNCT05040542 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the connection between brain development and the social emotion and communication abilities of infants aged 0 to 6 years. Utilizing advanced functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques, the study aims to analyze brain function and structure in response to various stimuli and conditions. Researchers will also assess genetic factors and maternal health during pregnancy to identify potential influences on brain development. The study employs various assessment scales to evaluate children's emotional and social behaviors alongside their brain imaging results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants aged 0 to 6 years who were born between 34-42 weeks of gestation and have a birth weight greater than 1500g.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with severe complications during pregnancy, congenital malformations, or contraindications to MRI scanning.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to targeted interventions that improve social and emotional development in infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using fMRI to explore brain development in children, making this approach both relevant and promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 0-6 years
2. Born at 34-42 weeks of gestation
3. Birth weight\>1500g
4. Normal brain function assessment
5. Parents can understand and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The mother had severe complications during pregnancy and delivery
2. History of asphyxiation at birth
3. Have congenital structural malformation
4. Have congenital metabolic disease
5. Have major or genetic diseases that affect growth, development or cognition
6. Have contraindications to MRI scanning

Where this trial is running

Xiamen, Fujian

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 Brain DevelopmentBehavior Disorders, ChildIntellectual Developmental DisordersPretermNewbornNeonatesInfantsChildren
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.