MILES Study

This project closes on August 31, 2025.

Mapping the Interactions of Language and Early motor Skills (MILES) in Down Syndrome Study

This study is focused on evaluating the longitudinal associations between language, communication, motor skills, and physical activity in infants with and without Down Syndrome. This study is a multi-method study where we use 1) parent report, 2) direct assessment, and 3) observational measures (i.e., wearables) to evaluate the language and motor domains. Infants between 6 and 18 months enroll in the study along with their caregivers and are followed up every 6 months for 1 year. Study participation takes place in the IDEA Research Lab at the JJ Pickle Research Campus or in the family's home.

 

Qualifications
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency (understand, speak, read, and write) is required
  • Prior experience working with infants and toddlers
  • Familiar with child and human development
  • Prior experience with administering standardized developmental assessments or conducting interviews
  • Prior experience with research

 

Project Timeline

Data collection is ongoing. Project will conclude on May 31, 2026.

Duties
  • Recruit families in Texas
  • Administer developmental assessments to infants and toddlers
  • Interview caregivers on child development
  • Code language and motor development from play observations
  • Data entry, data analysis
  • Research activities are conducted in person at the JJ Pickle Research Campus or in the family's homes
Typical Time Commitment
10 hours/week
Desired Length of Commitment
1 year

I'M INTERESTED IN THIS PROJECT. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

The Office of Undergraduate Research recommends that you attend an info session or advising before contacting faculty members or project contacts about research opportunities. We'll cover the steps to get involved, tips for contacting faculty, funding possibilities, and options for course credit. Once you have attended an Office of Undergraduate Research info session or spoken to an advisor, you can use the "Who to contact" details for this project to get in touch with the project leader and express your interest in getting involved.

Have you tried contacting professors and need more help? Schedule an appointment for additional support.