The goal of the Esbensen Lab is to ensure we have reliable ways of measuring constructs among individuals with Down syndrome to ensure that interventions can accurately detect improvements. The lab evaluates a variety of techniques and measures to identify which will be most appropriate for use among individuals with Down syndrome.
We are evaluating which and how certain measures work when used with children and young adults with Down syndrome. Our findings will inform selection of measures in future clinical trials and understand normative development among these youth. Children ages 6-17 with Down syndrome and their caregiver participate in several visits over one year.
This project is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a collaboration with Colorado State University.
For more information, contact us.
We are developing a new measure of behavioral challenges, the Behavior Inventory for Down Syndrome (BIDS) for children and adolescents with Down syndrome, in both English and Spanish. Current clinical trials are plagued by the dearth of clinical outcome measures appropriate and sensitive for individuals with Down syndrome. Parents of children with Down syndrome ages 2-17 years complete an online survey.
This project is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a collaboration with Children's Hospital Colorado.
For more information, contact us.
We are researching how to optimize health foundations for young children with Down syndrome. This project aims to understand the relationship between motor abilities and physical activities in children with Down syndrome and to identify the most important factors, such as feeding practices, influencing health outcomes in children with Down syndrome. Children ages 18-47 months old with Down syndrome and their caregiver participate in annual visits.
This project is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a collaboration with Colorado State University.
We are evaluating the impact of medication, methylphenidate, with children and teens with Down syndrome and ADHD. We are evaluating the impact on inattention, hyperactivity, and cardiac safety.
This project is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital, University of California-Davis, and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
We are evaluating the impact of 6 months of oxygen therapy among youth with Down syndrome with obstructive sleep apnea. We are evaluating the impact on sleep, quality of life, respiratory, cardiac, and neurocognitive outcomes. Children ages 5-17 years with Down syndrome and their caregiver participate in 4-5 visits over 7 months.
This project is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and is a collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cleveland Clinic, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and University of Michigan.
We are assessing how children with Down syndrome metabolize (break down or process) medication through blood samples. We hope to get at least two samples from individuals with Down syndrome ages 5-21 years who are currently taking specific medications. This study can be completed in one or two visits.
This project is funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and is a collaboration with Pediatric Trial Network through Duke University.
For more information, contact us.
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