Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities affecting about 10% of the population. As many as 80% of all people diagnosed with learning disabilities are dyslexic. If diagnosed at all dyslexia is typically detected in children between age 5 and 8 after they have fallen two grade levels behind in reading. This difficulty in school often results in the child being labeled """"""""slow"""""""", leading to significant self-esteem problems and permanent long-term psychological damage. A method to accurately screen newborns for dyslexia could allow for timely intervention and avoid the negative educational, psychological, and economic effects of this disorder. Neuronetrix' long-term objective for this project is to develop a EEG/ERP neonatal dyslexia screening device that is baby-friendly and easy-to-use by untrained staff in neonatal units nation wide. The short-term goal and the purpose of this Phase I proposal is to develop a miniature, self-contained, programmable unit which will administer an ERP test and capture the EEG's without requiring any additional external equipment or user intervention. Neuronetrix will achieve these goals through two specific aims; (1) to integrate the necessary electronic components into a self-contained, battery powered EEG/ERP package and (2) to develop the control software to automatically administer the test and capture the EEG data. Achieving these two aims will lead to the development of a neonatal dyslexia screening system for wide-spread clinical use. Early detection will allow a child to be effectively treated before entering school, the psychological damage resulting from being labeled """"""""slow"""""""" could be avoided and he/she could take full advantage of their schooling allowing them to meet their full intellectual potential. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants - Phase I (R41)
Project #
1R41HD047083-01
Application #
6789502
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MESH (10))
Program Officer
Lyon, Reid G
Project Start
2004-09-15
Project End
2005-03-31
Budget Start
2004-09-15
Budget End
2005-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$126,683
Indirect Cost
Name
Neuronetrix, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
137328428
City
Louisville
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40204
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