The goal of this observational study is to learn about typical neurodevelopment in children aged 6 months to 5 years who live in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The main aims of the study are: Aim 1: To characterize typical neurodevelopment as measured by i) brain volume using low-field MRI and ii) scores on behavioral assessments of early child neurodevelopment. Aim 2: To characterize typical pre-academic school skills in early childhood as measured by tasks of visual processing, reasoning, verbal expression and school readiness. Aim 3: To identify factors influencing child development in a community in Bahir Dar, Amhara region of Ethiopia, as measured by validated measures of maternal mental health, home environment, and childhood adversity. Participants will complete one low-field MRI scan at enrollment, have a hemoglobin blood test, and undergo age-appropriate neurodevelopmental assessments and surveys that may include: * WHO Global Scales for Early Development (GSED) \[ages 6 - 36 months\] * Tasks of visual reasoning and verbal expression \[ages 48-60 months\] * Executive Functions test using the tablet-based NIH Toolbox \[ages 48-60 months\] * School Readiness questionnaire assessing knowledge of literacy, numeracy, early reading, crystallized knowledge, memory, and self-regulation \[ages 48-60 months\] * Maternal report of child's motor, cognitive and socioemotional skillsChild Anthropometrics assessment Additional assessments of the participant's family and environment will include * Medical History questionnaire * Family socioeconomic status * Maternal Mental Health * Recent Life Events and hardship * Home Environment and Parenting UNICEF's MICs Family Care Indicators) * Food security and feeding practices
Age range
6 Months – 60 Months
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Total Brain MRI volumes
Timeframe: Collected in all children (ages 6-60 months) at enrollment.