Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)/ Preguntas frecuentes
Do you have questions? We’re happy to provide answers.
Whether you want to know more about the safety of an MRI, how to find us or something else, we’ve pulled together the most common questions we answer for participating families.
Learn more about a specific topic
Getting here
Where is your lab?
We are located in the Waisman Center, at 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, on the west side of UW–Madison’s campus near the UW Hospital and American Family Children’s Hospital. When you arrive at the Waisman Center, our team will meet you in the first-floor lobby!
Can we park there?
Yes! Parking is available to research study participants for free in the Waisman Center parking lot (lot 82) in the white visitor stalls. Our team will meet you in the lobby with a parking pass.
MRI information
What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an incredible technique that allows us to get clear images of internal organs like the brain in a non-invasive way using magnetic fields and radio waves. Unlike X-Rays or CT Scans, MRIs do not use radiation, and our MRIs do not use contrast.
Does my child need an injection for this MRI?
We do non-invasive MRIs for the Brainy Movement Study. There are no needles or any kind of contrast dyes used for these scans.
Are MRIs safe?
Yes! There are no known risks associated with the magnetic fields of MRIs. While some people should not be in or around the magnet (those with metal or electronic implants for example), our team is trained in the steps necessary to keep a safe environment, and do multiple levels of safety checks with all participants. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce images on a computer. MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
Do you have to stay completely still in an MRI?
While some scans do need people to stay completely still for clear images, our researchers are able to reconstruct scans, almost like putting together a puzzle, allowing us to get great brain pictures even with a little wiggle! Our team also has lots of strategies to make the scanning process as comfortable as possible, like practicing in our mock MRI first, putting on a favorite movie or show, or pausing between scans for wiggle breaks!
How much time does the Brainy Movement study take?
Children will complete 6 hours of activities, including a 20-60 minute MRI scan.
We strongly recommend multiple sessions for most participants. If completing tasks in one day is the only option for your family, we can accommodate that as well.
Parents have questionnaires to complete during that time, and parents of autistic participants will also have a caregiver interview. Caregiver interviews may also take place virtually on a different day if it works best for your family.
Additional Questions
What if we sign up but change our mind?
Participating in research is completely voluntary! You can choose to leave the study at any time, just let our research team know.
I still have questions – can I learn more about the study before making a decision?
Yes! Our team is happy to discuss with you further and address any questions you have. You can reach out to our team by phone at 608-263-8913 or email us at brainymovtstudy@waisman.wisc.edu.
We want to sign up – what now?
Wonderful! We look forward to working with you! Next, our research team will do a phone screening and discuss scheduling.