Social and Behavioral Development Lab

Welcome to the Social and Behavioral Development Lab! We are located at the Waisman Center on the University of Wisconsin Madison campus. Our lab investigates genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of child externalizing disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder). Our research will help us to better understand how the combination of genes and environments may lead to such disorders in some children, but not others. Are you available for our current study? We are seeking children WITHOUT behavior and/or attention problems who:

-Are entering or have just completed second or third grade
-Are fluent in English
-Live with at least one biological parent
-Have not been previously diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability

What are the benefits to you?:

-No direct benefits (i.e., we provide no clinical diagnosis or treatment)
-A written summary of your child's cognitive and behavioral functioning
-Monetary compensation for your full participation
-Your child will get toy prizes! What does participation involve:

for the parent?:

-Clinical interview about your child's behavior and emotional functioning
-Questionnaires and ratings scales about your child's behavior at home and at school

for the child?:

-A brief brain scan while watching videos and playing computer games
-Interactive activities on a tablet

for the parent and child?:

-Videotaped parent-child play activity
-Saliva samples for DNA analysis


Feel free to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions regarding our ongoing study!