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Research Opportunities at WashU

New Tics Study

We’ve finished enrollment of children with recent-onset tics, but we would love to enroll a few more comparison participants:

  • a 5- or 6-year-old left-handed boy with TS or chronic tic disorder;
  • a 8- to 10-year-old right-handed girl with TS or chronic tic disorder;
  • three children, ages 6-9, who have been diagnosed with ADHD but NOT Tourette Syndrome or a Chronic Tic Disorder.
Learn more about the New Tics Study

LoTS Study

This study is seeking children ages 10-14 who have chronic tics or Tourette syndrome.

Learn more about the LoTS Study

Stimulating electrode at the wrist
A stimulating electrode is taped to the skin over the median nerve at the wrist.

Median Nerve Stimulation Study

We have completed enrollment for this study. Thank you to all our volunteer study participants!

Learn more about the MNS Study

Other Research Opportunities

COVID-19 Safety and Cleaning Guidelines

We are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19 to keep you and your child safe during your study visit. Safety and cleaning procedures according to Washington University School of Medicine guidelines are detailed below:

  • Research Staff
    • Research staff will be wearing PPE at all times (masks).
    • Research staff will remain 6 feet away from participants and family members whenever possible. 
  • Scan Day
    • One day prior to your visit, research staff will screen you and your child for COVID-19 symptoms by phone.
    • Upon arrival, research staff will screen you and your child for COVID-19 symptoms again. We will take your temperature, and if your temperature is 100.4 or greater we will reschedule your scan.
      • The East Building entrance will be swipe-accessible only, so research staff will let you in.
    • We ask that you please limit parents and/or other family members to 2 individuals for your visit.
    • Before and after your child’s MRI, the scanner, scanner room, control room, and changing rooms will be thoroughly cleaned according to a standardized cleaning protocol (all personnel underwent training on this protocol).
    • Surfaces in the waiting area will be routinely cleaned according to a standardized cleaning protocol. 
    • Hand sanitizer and extra masks will be available to all staff and participants.                                          
  • Clinical Day
    • Research staff will discuss with you parts of the study that can be completed remotely prior to your visit.
    • One day prior to your visit, research staff will screen you and your child for COVID-19 symptoms by phone.
    • Upon arrival, you will go through a checkpoint where you and your child will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms again.
    • Exam rooms will be thoroughly cleaned before and after your visit. 
    • A large plastic shield will separate research staff and your child during the interview portion of the study visit. 
    • Technology 
      • Laptop:  Your child will be given a separate keyboard with a disposable cover to use for cognitive tasks.
      • iPad:  The iPad will be thoroughly sanitized before and after use.
    • Toys and activities
      • Your child is provided with new, unused toys and activities during the interview portion of the study to help them focus and relax.
        • You may bring your own toys and/or activities, but we ask that you refrain from the use of electronics during the visit.
    • Lunch
      • Lunch is usually provided for you and your child, but you may discuss other options with research staff.
        • You may schedule your visit outside of meal time.
        • You may bring your own lunches for you and your child.
        • We can still provide boxed lunches if you feel comfortable.
          • Research staff will confirm your orders from select food items prior to your visit.