All methods we use are safe, harmless, silent, and child-friendly!
FUNCTIONAL NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY (FNIRS)
This technique is like wearing a “hat” with lights.
During the study visit, a researcher may place a cap or headband on your child.
This technique uses near-infrared lights to measure oxygen level changes in the brain.
It’s like a “fitbit” or “apple watch” for your brain!
We record brain activity using special sensors that light up! The sensors are safe and small, and they are held in place on the child’s head with a soft, stretchy cap. The sensors can monitor the level of oxygenation in different areas of the brain, giving us an indirect measure of how each area is responding. When an area of the brain is engaged, such as when listening to speech, it uses more oxygen. The changes in level of oxygenation tells us which areas are engaged for understanding language.