Hearing that your child may benefit from joining a clinical trial can stir up a mix of emotions—hope, worry, confusion, and a million questions. Is it safe? Will they get real treatment or a placebo? How much time will it take? What does this mean for their long-term care?
At APG Health, we work with families throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and the surrounding Central Florida area to guide them through the clinical trial process. If you’re considering this path for your child, here’s what you can expect—and how we’ll support you every step of the way.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a type of research study that tests new treatment options, medications, or approaches to care. Some trials involve testing entirely new treatments that haven’t been approved yet, while others compare existing treatments to see which works better or has fewer side effects.
The ultimate goal is to gather evidence that helps improve care for future patients. In many cases, before the FDA approves a medication for children, it must be tested in clinical trials involving that age group.
Children may take part in a clinical trial for a variety of reasons: they’ve exhausted standard treatments, they’re dealing with a complex mental health condition, or they want to contribute to research that could help others like them.
Why Families Choose to Participate
Being a participant in a clinical trial isn’t about being a test subject—it’s about having access to promising treatments and being part of a team working toward better solutions.
Some reasons parents choose to enroll their child include:
- Access to cutting-edge care not available elsewhere
- A chance to try new treatment options under close supervision
- Contributing to future breakthroughs in pediatric mental health
- Receiving care from specialized doctors and nurses who are deeply involved in the latest research
If you’re in Central Florida and considering this path, APG Health partners with medical centers and research institutions to ensure your child’s experience is safe, respectful, and grounded in the highest standards of care.
The Informed Consent Process
Before your child can join a trial, you’ll go through a process called informed consent. This isn’t just paperwork—it’s a conversation between you and the research team to make sure you fully understand what’s involved.
You’ll be given detailed information about:
- The purpose of the study
- What treatment or intervention will be used
- Any known side effects or risks
- What procedures or appointments are required
- How long the trial lasts
- What kind of medical care your child will receive
- How your personal information and medical history will be protected
If your child is old enough, they may also provide assent, which means they agree to participate. This is especially important in trials involving adolescents, where understanding and cooperation matter.
As part of our commitment to families in Orlando, Winter Park, and nearby communities, APG Health ensures that no parent ever feels pressured to make this decision. You have the right to ask questions, take time, and even change your mind later.
How Clinical Trials Work for Kids
Trials involving children are designed with their unique needs in mind. Most are broken down into phases that build on each other:
- Phase I: Tests if a treatment is safe and determines appropriate dosage—usually with a small group of people, sometimes including healthy volunteers.
- Phase II: Begins to assess whether the treatment works and continues safety monitoring.
- Phase III: Compares the new treatment to existing options and gathers more data about effectiveness and long-term side effects.
- Phase IV: Conducted after a treatment is approved, to monitor its use in the broader population.
Throughout the clinical trial process, your child will be closely monitored. Any changes in mood, behavior, or physical health will be recorded and addressed. And at any time, for any reason, you can withdraw from the study.
What Care Looks Like During the Trial
Your child’s health and comfort are the top priority. During the trial, care is typically provided at hospitals, medical centers, or clinics affiliated with the research. These visits may include:
- Physical exams
- Psychological assessments
- Lab tests
- Medication administration
- Questionnaires or check-ins
The doctors and nurses running the study will guide you through every step, keeping you informed and involved. Your child may receive more frequent attention than in standard care, which many families find reassuring.
At APG Health, we stay in close communication with both the family and the research team to make sure your child’s overall care plan remains balanced and personalized.
Protecting Your Child’s Privacy
We understand that sharing your child’s medical history and personal data can feel sensitive. Reputable clinical trials follow strict ethical and legal guidelines to protect personal information. Data is anonymized and securely stored, and results are reported in a way that protects participants’ identities.
If you live in the Orlando metro area and are considering a clinical trial, we can help you verify the legitimacy of any research opportunity and ensure that privacy and ethical standards are being upheld.
What Happens After the Trial?
After the trial ends, your child may:
- Continue receiving the treatment if it was helpful and allowed by the study
- Transition back to standard care
- Be referred for other support, based on how the trial went
You’ll receive updates about the findings when the study is complete, and you’ll stay in the loop about what’s next.
At APG Health, we help families in Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and surrounding areas navigate this transition—whether that means continuing a promising treatment, pursuing other therapies, or reevaluating the care plan.
Is a Clinical Trial Right for Your Child?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your child’s diagnosis, the availability of trials, and your comfort with the process. But one thing is clear: families who participate in trials play a vital role in advancing care for all children.
If you're curious about how clinical trials work, or if you’ve been approached about a study and want a second opinion, contact APG Health. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons, help you ask the right questions, and support your decision—whatever it may be.
Your child’s care is always your choice. And we’re here to make sure it’s an informed one.