ADHD in Children research studies are looking for volunteers in Florida, with study locations in Coral Gables.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects how children focus, manage impulses, and organize tasks. Research teams are working to understand how ADHD develops, how symptoms change over time, and what approaches help children manage their daily lives at home, in school, and with peers.
ADHD shapes how a child pays attention, controls impulses, and handles transitions and organization. Some children struggle to focus on one thing; others act before thinking or have trouble sitting still. Research teams in this area are trying to learn how these patterns develop, what makes symptoms better or worse, and how different supports affect a child's success in school and relationships.
What researchers track varies by program, but teams often follow how attention, behavior, and learning change over weeks or months. They may ask parents and teachers about what they notice, talk with the child about school and friendships, and sometimes use brief tasks or questionnaires to see how the child responds to instructions and manages time.
A typical visit starts with a conversation between the clinical team and the parent or guardian about how things are going at home and school. The team may ask the child about their interests and any challenges they face. Follow-up visits happen on a schedule set at the start, usually spaced over several months.
All clinical research in the United States is overseen by institutional review boards—independent groups of doctors, scientists, and community members who review programs before they start and watch them while they run. These boards make sure the research protects children and their families, answers real questions, and treats everyone fairly.
If you are a parent or guardian interested in learning about research in this area, register your interest here and the clinical team will reach out to explain what programs are currently open nearby and what taking part would involve.
What members say
The BonfireFrequently asked questions
What are teams trying to learn about ADHD in children?
Teams want to understand how attention, impulse control, and behavior develop and change. They track how children respond to different settings—home, school, social situations—and how various approaches help children manage daily challenges. Some research follows children over months to see what patterns emerge and what supports make a real difference.
What does a typical visit involve in an ADHD research program?
A visit usually starts with the clinical team talking with the parent or guardian about what they notice at home and school. The team may speak with the child about their interests, friendships, and any struggles they face. Some programs use brief tasks, rating scales, or questionnaires to see how the child focuses and responds to instructions.
How does research participation work alongside my child's regular doctor?
A research program works with your child's regular care, not instead of it. The child's own doctor stays their doctor throughout. The clinical team explains at the start how the research fits with any current care your child receives, and they stay in touch with you between visits if questions come up.
How long do ADHD research programs usually run?
That depends on the program, and the clinical team will tell you plainly on the first call, before anything is decided. Some programs follow children for a few months; others track change over a longer time to see real patterns. The clinical team shares the full calendar before anyone decides to take part.
What happens if my child gets sick or has a difficult week during the program?
The clinical team has a plan for that, agreed in advance, and is reachable between visits. If your child is sick or struggling, let the team know. They work with you to figure out what makes sense—whether that means rescheduling a visit, adjusting when things happen, or talking through what you are seeing at home.
Is there compensation for taking part?
Compensation may be available for your time and inconvenience.
Can my child keep seeing their regular pediatrician or other doctors?
Yes. Taking part in a research program does not change your child's regular medical care. Your child's pediatrician and any other doctors stay involved. The clinical team explains before anything starts how the research fits with the care your child already receives.
Who might be considered for a research opportunity in this area?
Anyone interested in ADHD research can register. Each program has its own requirements set by the people running it. When the clinical team reaches out, they will go through those requirements with you and explain what a program would look like for your child and your family before anything begins.
Who oversees clinical research and what protects my child?
An independent review board of doctors, scientists, and community members approves every ADHD program before it starts and watches it while it runs. These boards make sure the research is fair, protects children and families, and answers real questions about how to help. The board can be reached if you have concerns.
