Study Procedures

What to Expect

The first visit will involve:

  • Interviews and questionnaires for you and your child
  • Games and puzzles that will assess your child’s cognitive function
  • Your child providing specimens (such as saliva) for genetic and other testing
  • A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session to safely obtain a clear picture of your child’s brain
    (more info)

ABCD Study procedures

This will take about 6 to 7 hours in all, and can be done in one or two visits. We will provide breaks and prizes throughout the day. This full assessment will take place every other year. In the alternate years, we will ask that you come to the Study Site for 2-3 hours. Every 3-6 months, there will be a brief follow-up either online or by phone.


MRI Simulator Training Video
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles


Trinh Luu, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Unless otherwise specified, ABCD Study® YouTube videos are available for your use and may be reproduced in their entirety without permission from the ABCD Study®. Citation of the source is recommended, using the following language: Source: Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study.