Key Information at a Glance
- Initiators: Universitätskliniken Jena and Magdeburg
- Target Group: Preschool-aged children
- Research Goal: Improved early detection of ADHD and dyslexia (LRS)
- Type of Research: Long-term study
Jena (16.02.2026) – The transition from kindergarten to school is an exciting time for many families, but it also brings challenges. When children have difficulty learning letters or can hardly concentrate, parents often begin an odyssey of uncertainty. To intervene earlier, the Universitätskliniken in Jena and Magdeburg have now launched a large-scale long-term study.
Research for the Next Generation: What It’s About
As reported by MDR today, researchers are specifically looking for preschool children in Thüringen and Sachsen-Anhalt. The scientific work focuses on two of the most common developmental disorders that can massively influence everyday school life: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia (LRS), also known as reading and spelling disorder.
The problem so far: These diagnoses are often only made when the child has already “fallen into the well” – meaning when massive problems, poor grades, or social exclusion have manifested in school. The new study therefore takes a preventive approach. The goal is to identify signs and markers that could enable a diagnosis even before the first day of school.
Why Early Detection in Jena is So Important
For parents in Jena and the surrounding area, participating in such a study offers the chance not only to contribute to science but also to have their child’s development professionally monitored. ADHD and LRS are not purely “parenting problems” but have neurobiological backgrounds. The earlier targeted support measures take effect, the better the chances for the affected children to experience a frustration-free school time.
The cooperation between the Universitätskliniken Magdeburg and Jena underscores the importance of Central Germany as a medical location. By pooling the expertise of both institutions, experts hope for reliable data that could change the guidelines for pediatricians and psychologists in the long term.
A Look into the Future of Children’s Health
Participation in the study is designed for a longer period to observe the children’s development beyond their enrollment in school. Such long-term data is worth its weight in gold in medical research, as it shows how early abnormalities actually affect children over the years.
For interested parents, this means: Anyone with a preschool-aged child can actively participate. Detailed information on the testing procedures – which are usually designed to be playful and child-friendly – as well as contact options for registration can be found on the websites of the respective Universitätskliniken or via the corresponding MDR portals.
It is an important step to ensure that children in Jena and beyond receive exactly the support they need for a successful start in life.
Sources:
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Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.