Resources

  Resources   Surveys & Studies   Submit query

ONLINE Research Study of Adults ages 18 y/o to 30 y/o with AS/HFA

1
Surveys & Studies
Sample Letters
Transition
Resources
Adult
Corner
Internet
Resources
Educators
AHA
Library
Advocacy
Courses & Seminars
Abbreviations
Useful
Ideas & Videos
Blogs
1
 


From Psychology Department at Fordham University

Do you have Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism? Are you between the ages of 18–30?

If so, then you are eligible to participate in a study being conducted by researchers in the Psychology Department at Fordham University!

We are studying self-concept
in young adults and are trying to get a diverse group
of subjects — your participation is important
and would lend to a greater body of work.

  • The survey is done ONLINE
  • You can complete it from the privacy of your
    own home
  • It is 100% confidential.

Note: If you have logged on to this survey before but did not complete it, you may participate again!

To be eligible for this study
you must have Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning
Autism and be within the ages of 18–30.

If
you (or someone you know) are interested in learning
more about this study please contact:

Heather Schatten
E-mail: [email protected]


Family Genetic Study of Tourette Syndrome (TS),
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

We are conducting a research study that focuses on families affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are looking for common behavioral traits, such as attentional difficulties and impulsivity, which may be shared by these conditions. If found, we want to determine whether these traits are heritable, that is, can be passed down from parents to children. We hope that the information we learn will eventually help researchers to develop better treatments for these conditions.

We are enrolling families in which there is at least one child, 6 years of age or older, who has TS, ADHD, OCD, or any combination of these conditions. We would like the affected child, both biological parents, and any siblings over the age of 6 to participate. Participants will complete interviews, questionnaires and assessments examining areas such as attention, impulsivity, problem-solving, and visual-spatial skills. We will also collect a blood or saliva sample for DNA testing. Study participation is strictly voluntary and may require 3-6 hours per person for the completion of all study tasks. Upon completion of all study tasks, families will be paid $100 for their participation.

If your family meets these criteria and you are interested in learning more about this study, please call Sarah Glaser at 617-726-9257 or email [email protected]. Please visit our website at www.ts-adhd-ocd.org.

IRB (Massachusetts General Hospital) protocol #: 2005-P-000933

Contact Information:

Sarah Glaser

Clinical Research Assistant

Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit

Massachusetts General Hospital

185 Cambridge Street

Boston, MA 02114

Phone: 617-726-9257

Fax: 617-726-0830

[email protected]


Neurocircuitry of Autism Spectrum Disorders Study:

Physician Summary Neurocircuitry of Developmental Differences in
Social and Repetitive Behaviors:

MRI, fMRI and TMS Studies

PURPOSE

This study uses functional brain imaging and noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to study the brain basis of developmental disorders. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to study the neurocircuitry of certain symptom clusters in developmental disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Subjects with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified will be compared to healthy controls using a panel of neuropsychological tests, fMRI, and TMS. The fMRI paradigm is a passive task requiring the subject to watch a short series of films in the scanner. The form of TMS used in this study is low frequency TMS, which is minimal risk.

Volunteers should be between the ages of 18-35 and will receive a compensation of $15/hour plus $15 per procedure.

NYSPI IRB protocol #5438

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Office: 212-543-5647

Fax:   212-543-4284

Email:  [email protected]

Alexandra L Sporn, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

Division of Brain Stimulation and Therapeutic Modulation

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

New York State Psychiatric Institute

1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 21

New York, NY 10032


Participants Needed for ADBI
Study

Participants are currently being recruited to study the effectiveness of a new measure, the Asperger’s Disorder Behavior Inventory™
(ADBITM) by Ira Cohen, PhD.

This instrument will assist in both the diagnosis and treatment planning of individuals who are classified at the higher range of
functioning on the Pervasive Developmental Disability (PDD) spectrum and should be of benefit to the affected persons, their
parents and to professionals. The study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the New York State
Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities and will run through the summer of 2008.

Participants Needed:
°ª Individuals who have been diagnosed by a clinical psychologist,
school psychologist or other health professional as having
Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, or High Functioning Autism and who
score in the average to above average range in language ability.
°ª Individuals who have been diagnosed by a clinical psychologist,
school psychologist or other health professional as having
ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, Reading Disability or Nonverbal Learning Disability.

  • Individuals must be between the ages of 5 and 21.
  • Participation Involves:

  • One (or Two) parents completing the parent ADBI on their
    child or adolescent.
  • One teacher completing the teacher ADBI on a student in
    his or her classroom.

Time Commitment:

  • The Parent Version of the ADBI is 293 questions.
  • The Teacher Version of the ADBI is 212 questions.
  • Each version takes approximately 1/2 hour to complete.

Compensation:

  • $20 for every completed form.
  • A possible total of $60 if 2 parent ADBIs and 1 teacher
    ADBI are returned.
  • Innovative Solutions & Unparalleled Customer Service!

If you would like more information, have any
questions, or are interested in participating,
please send an e-mail to [email protected].


Columbia University Study
Research: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain in People with an Autism Spectrum Disorder AT THE NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE

Columbia

University in New York City will be conducting a research

project exploring brain function using Magnetic Resonance

Imaging (MRI), a safe and noninvasive tool that takes

pictures (images) of the brain. This project will focus

on children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD), who have unique patterns of thinking, learning,

and social interaction that reflect underlying differences

in the structure and function of their brains. We invite

you to participate in this project, which will help

researchers see how the brains of individuals with ASD

compare with the brains of typical age and IQ matched

peers. This study is important in that doctors and scientists

are just beginning to understand what these differences

are, why they occur, and how they change with age.

Bradley S. Peterson, M.D., is the principal investigator of this study. He is the Suzanne Crosby Murphy Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Neuroimaging at the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

Who is eligible for this study?

Children and adults who currently have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder such as Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder­Not Otherwise Specified (PDD), and:

  • Minimal chronological age of 2 years
  • Do not have claustrophobia
  • Do not have any ferromagnetic or metal implants

What will I do and how long will it take?

  • Eligible individuals participate in research assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (a scan of the brain),

    paper and pencil testing, and possible computer tests.

  • Total time for this study to be completed is 3-6 hours.

What is the compensation for participating in our research study?

Modest compensation for your time will be provided at the completion of the study.

What are the benefits of participating?

This study will not directly benefit you as an individual. The assessment and MRI are for research purposes only. Your participation, however, may help further our understanding of the underlying causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

If you are interested in participating, please call the project coordinator at 212-543-6705.


 

IAN Research

To participate in IAN Research, families must have a child who:

  1. Lives in the USA
  2. Is less than 18 years of age, and
  3. Has been told by a professional that they  have any of the following:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    • Autism
    • Asperger Syndrome
    • Autistic Disorder
    • Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
    • Pervasive Developmental Disorder ­ Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
    • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

For more information, download the IAN Research PDF.




Drug Study for Children with Autistic Disorder sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb


Does your child between the ages of 6-17, and do they

have Autistic Disorder with severe behavioral problems

such as : displays tantrums, aggression, and self- injurious

behavior? Ages: 18-40

If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study being conducted at the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, North Shore-LIJ. This multi-site study is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, and its purpose is to determine if treatment with the study drug is effective in improving children’s functioning and decreasing severe behavioral problems.

Participation in the study involves:

  • A diagnostic assessment
  • Weekly visits with the study psychiatrist and research staff to closely monitor participants and assess change
  • Study drug for 8 weeks with the option of continuing with a 52-week open-label trial

All of the above is provided at no charge, including all aspects of the evaluation, study visits, and study drug.

For more information about the project, contact the study coordinator, Linda Spritzer, at 516-802-8608 or e-mail at [email protected].


Autism Genetics Study

Researchers at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, North Shore- LIJ Health System are collaborating on an Autism Genetics study.

The purpose of this research study is to identify genes that may predispose one to development of autistic disorder.

In order to qualify:

  • you/ your child  must have a confirmed diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder by the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism staff
  • both biological parents of the affected individual with an autism spectrum disorder must also be available to participate
  • unaffected siblings may also participate, but their participation is not required

Participation will involve:

  • Providing a cheek swab (from affected children) or mouthwash sample (from biological parents)
  • Study kits will be mailed and collected samples can be mailed back in pre-addressed, provided envelopes.
  • filling out a brief demographic questionnaire

If you would like to find out more information about this research study and/or are interested in participating in the study, please contact Linda Spritzer, Research Assistant, at 516-802-8608 or [email protected].


Grandmothers

and Mothers Needed to Participate in Dissertation Research

A

research study is being conducted to examine the roles

and experience of grandmothers and mothers of children

with autism contrasted with children with no disability.

Grandparents of children with disabilities have added

concerns and responsibilities, but rarely have access

to adequate support and information, leading to confusion

as to their appropriate role and degree of participation.

This is unfortunate because grandparent involvement

has been shown to reduce parents’ stress, to expand

and enrich the social worlds of autistic children, and

to add dimension and meaning to grandparents’ own lives.

The study uses questionnaires for grandmothers and mothers

that take 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The questionnaires

are mailed to you. All information gathered will be

kept strictly confidential and will be stored in a locked

file cabinet, to which only I, and my advisor, will

have access.  At any time you can refuse to answer

any questions or withdraw from the study. Your participation

in this study will add to our understanding of the role

and experience of grandmothers today in families of

children with disabilities, as well as the families

of children with typical development. 

If you are the mother or grandmother of a child between

the ages of 6 and 14 who has been diagnosed with autism

or Aspergers’ disorder, or if you are the mother or

grandmother of a child between the ages of 6 and 14

who has no disability, and you would like to participate

in this dissertation research, please contact Alison

Sullivan at (516)628 – 2823 or by email at [email protected]


Dissertation

Research on Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning

Autism

I

am conducting my doctoral research project with parents

who have a school-age child with Asperger’s Syndrome

or High-Functioning Autism.  Through the research

I will be exploring parents’ experiences surrounding

their children’s educational placements and treatments. 

The goal of my research is to contribute to the literature

on AS and HFA by highlighting parent and family experiences

and creating a resource for parents who will face

this challenge in the future.  Participation

involves an initial phone interview lasting approximately

15 minutes, and a face-to-face interview lasting approximately

2 hours.  Confidentiality of all participants

will be ensured, as no identifying information will

be recorded.  I will meet each participant at

the location of their choice.

This

study is being conducted in order to fulfill doctoral

requirements at Yeshiva University ‘s Ferkauf Graduate

School of Psychology.  Prior to beginning interviews,

this study will be reviewed by the Albert Einstein

College of Medicine Committee on Clinical Investigations

(CCI).  

If

you are interested in participating in this study

or would like additional information, please contact

Margarete Bernath at 908-752-2427 or [email protected]                   


Opportunity

to Participate in Research Study Cody

Center

The

Cody Center is currently recruiting participants ages

5-18 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder,

who are not on medication, to participate in a neuroimaging

study. Younger patients, referred for a brain MRI

with sedation for clinical reasons, could be also

considered for the study.

 

The

purpose of the study is to increase our understanding

of the chemical structure of the brain in the presence

of this disorder by using a MRI technique called MR

Spectroscopy (MRS).

 

Participants

will need to lie still for about 45 minutes to one

hour (session can be divided or interrupted if needed)

and they will receive a free MRI study of the brain

as part of the procedure.

 

The

procedure does not involve any injections; use contrast

material or radiation. MRI/MRS are considered a safe

procedure in children.

 

If

you are interested in participating or wish to learn

more about the study please contact:
Susan

Scalfani at 631-632-3074 or [email protected]

 


Opportunity

to Participate in Research Study
Stony

Brook University Hospital’s General
Clinical

Research Center,
The

Cody Center and
Cold

Spring Harbor Laboratory

The

Cody

Center is currently recruiting

individuals with a diagnosis of Autism

Spectrum Disorder to participate in

a genetics study. Unaffected parents are also being

asked to participate. We are particularly interested

in enrolling individuals who have no significant family

history of autism disorders and/or seem to have significant

“delays in skills.”

 

This

study is a collaboration between

Stony

Brook University Hospital’s General

Clinical Research Center The

Cody Center
and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

 

The

purpose of the study is to look for evidence of

chromosomal mutations/abnormalities using new investigative

techniques that are more sensitive than have previously

been available.

 

Participants

will meet with study personnel to ensure that they

meet diagnostic and study inclusion criteria and to

obtain blood samples. Parents of participants would

be asked for a blood sample as well.

 

If

you are interested in participating or wish to learn

more about the study please

contact: Susan Scalfani at 631-632-3074 or [email protected]

 


Invitation

to Participate in a Research Study

on Asperger’s Syndrome

Individuals aged 15 to 24 years

old who have Asperger’s Syndrome are invited to volunteer

for a new study about persons with this diagnosis. The

individual with Asperger’s Syndrome will be asked to complete

a brief questionnaire about his or her social relationships

and about what type of emotional distress they may experience.

In addition, one parent of this individual will be asked

to complete a brief questionnaire about the characteristics

of their child and the services they receive.

Your identity will be anonymous and you will not

be asked to give your name or any other information that

could identify you.

This is one of the first studies to examine different

types of emotional distress individuals with Asperger’s

Syndrome may experience. We expect that the knowledge

gained from this study will be used to design better services

for individuals with AS.

If you would like to participate in this study, please

click on the link below that will connect you to the survey

that you can complete online:

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=118163

This study is being conducted by Oren Shtayermman, M.S.W.,

a doctoral student at Fordham University Graduate School

of Social Service. If you have any questions about this

study, please contact him at 646-238-4707 or [email protected].

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Fordham

University Institutional Review Board. If you have any

questions about your rights as a research participant,

you may contact Dr. Lee Badger, Chair of the Fordham University

Institutional Review Board at 212-636-7946.


The Seaver and

New York Autism Center of Excellence

An

exciting research project for adults with Autism, Asperger’s

and PDD. In studying medication treatments, the focus

is on treating symptoms of autism, including compulsive

behaviors, social deficits, and language deficits. The

medication aims to reduce irritability, aggression,

impulsivity, and behaviors in which you injure yourself.

The research study offers free testing to determine

if you have an autism spectrum disorder, testing to

see how you solve problems, and frequent visits with

psychiatrists to closely monitor you and assess change

over 12 weeks at no cost.

If

you would like more information, please contact Jade

Rusoff at (212)241-3692.

GCO#

04-1106 (IRB approved through 1/3/07)


Pervasive Developmental
Disorder-NOS:
Language and Communication
Profiles of Children 5-7 Years

Investigator:

Cheryl Smith Gabig, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

Lehman College/City University of New York

Bronx, NY 10468

718-960-8031

[email protected]

[email protected]

Dr.

Cheryl Smith Gabig an Assistant Professor in the Department

of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences at Lehman College/

The City University of New York is conducting a study

of the language and cognitive-linguistic processing

of children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder

– NOS (PDD-NOS) and children diagnosed with Developmental

Language Disorder without autism (DLD or Specific Language

Impairment, SLI). She is seeking children diagnosed

with PDD-NOS or DLD between the ages of 5 years 0 months

and 7 years 11 months and whose nonverbal IQ is within

normal limits.

The

purpose of the study is to determine if the language

and cognitive-linguistic processing of children with

PDD-NOS can be clearly differentiated from the language

disorders and subtype profiles seen in children with

a developmental language disorder without autism (DLD).

By investigating this, she will learn whether children

with PDD-NOS have similar and overlapping language difficulty

as children with a DLD and also whether subtypes of

language/communication profiles can be found in children

with PDD-NOS. This information will be useful for the

identification, planning and intervention of language

and communication needs of children with PDD-NOS.

If

parents/guardians are interested in having your child

participate in this study, you will be asked to sign

a consent form for the child. Children will also be

asked for their assent in participating in the study.

Upon completion of the testing, you will receive information

on your child’s language functioning for potential use

in educational planning.

All

records of this study will be kept confidential, and

your child’s identity will be not be revealed on any

forms or reports.

If

you would like to have your child participate in this

study, or have any questions please call Dr. Smith Gabig

at Lehman College at either 718-960-8031 or 516-944-3170

or email her at [email protected]

or at [email protected].


Doctoral

Student Doing Pilot Study

on Vocabulary Organization


Dana Battaglia, M.A., a Doctoral

student in the CUNY Graduate Center, department of Speech

& Hearing Sciences, is conducting a pilot study on

the organization of vocabulary in children with autism.

She is seeking children with autism, between the ages

of 9 and 11, whose nonverbal IQ is within normal limits.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether children

with autism have a mental lexicon that is similar to that

of typically developing children. In investigating this,

we hope to learn how vocabulary is organized and accessed

for language use and understanding.

Your child will be asked to do a computer based naming

task. He or she will be presented with a picture on a

computer screen while hearing either a related or unrelated

word. Words will be presented either prior to, during

or after presentation of a picture, via headphones.

By participating in this study, parents will be asked

to sign a consent form for their child. In addition, all

children participating will also be asked for verbal assent.

Your child’s participation is voluntary, and will contribute

to the understanding of how language is processed during

speech production in children with Autism.

All records of this study will be kept confidential, and

no subject will be individually identified in any written

or verbal reports. The benefit for participating in this

study will be a free speech and language screening, in

addition to $10.00, as reimbursement for your child’s

time.

If you would like to have your child participate in this

study, or have any questions please call me at (516) 263-7173

or email me at [email protected].



Research Study Seeks Volunteers

Dr. Peter Gregersen, and his research

assistant Elena Kowalsky are conducting a research study

investigating musical pitch (or sound) perception in

people with autistic spectrum disorders and their family

members. Dr. Gregersen is director of the Division of

Genomics and Human Genetics at the North Shore-LIJ Institute

for Medical Research in Manhasset (part of the North

Shore – Long Island Jewish Health System).

Participation is conducted by mail, the Internet, and

over the telephone. You do not need to have any prior

musical training to participate in this study.

If you are interested in more information about this

research study, please email Elena Kowalsky at [email protected] or call their toll-free number

at:

1-888-897-3098.

 


Autism
Research Programs

Dr. Nancy Minshew, in collaboration with a team of scientists

from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as the University

of Illinois at Chicago, are working together to search

for the cognitive and neurological basis for autism. If

you fit any of the following and are interested in participating

use the contacts listed below.

  • 8-55

    year olds with IQs of 80 and higher who may be diagnosed

    as having High Functioning Autism, Aspergers, PDDNOS

    or PDD.

  • amilies

    with more than one child with ASD of any level of

    function.

  • Families

    with one person with autism, of any level of function,

    where non autistic siblings over 8 and parents under

    50 are willing to do eye movement studies and face

    and emotion studies

  • Families

    with a child with autism, of any level of function,

    in which mom is in the third trimester of pregnancy

    or has an infant up to 5 months of age. They may be

    enrolled in the infant study of language for early

    detection of signs of autism.

  • Twins

    of any age

  • Anyone

    enrolling in any study is asked to donate blood for

    the genetics study to search for the genes; it is

    required for the multiplex study, but optional for

    the other studies.

    If interested, contact: Autism Research Program at
    412-246-5488
    or Toll-free 1-866-647-3436
    E-Mail: [email protected]

    Website
    http://www.pitt.edu/~nminshew/


UNDERSTANDING CORTICAL AUDITORY PROCESSING
IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Dr. Michelle Dunn, at the Albert

Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, is conducting

a research study examining auditory processing in children

with autism. She is currently recruiting children with

autism with full scale IQs of greater than 65 and neurotypical

children, both between the ages of 7 and 9 years. Those

participating in the investigation are invited to come

to the Rose F. Kennedy Center to take part in neuropsychological

testing, audiometric testing, and electrophysiologic studies.

Results of testing will be communicated to you in a meeting

with Dr Dunn in the form of a written report. The total

time commitment for participation in this project is approximately

9 to 10 hours. All testing is completed over the course

of 2 visits. Testing is done on weekdays between 8 am

and 6 pm. Results of the study have implications for educational

practices with autistic children. If you are interested

in participating please contact Juliana Bates at 718-430-2130

for a screening.

Description of the Study:

Slowed behavioral

responding to auditory verbal information is regularly

observed in children with autism. Recordings of brain

activity reveal abnormally slow neural processing of auditory

information in these children during early school age.

Interestingly, the degree of slowing appears to be related

to the type of information heard (i.e., sounds versus

words), the speed and regularity with which the information

comes, and characteristics of the child. However, factors

modulating speed of neural processing of auditory information

in children with autism have not been specified. A necessary

prerequisite to establishing appropriate interventions

for children with autism is precise definition of dysfunction,

achieved through knowledge of the characteristics of information

and processing demands that modulate neural responses.

The main goal of this study is to understand the circumstances

under which previously identified neural auditory processing

abnormalities are ameliorated or exacerbated.


BRENDA SMITH MYLES, PH. D. –
TWO STUDIES


Brenda Smith

Myles, Ph.D. and her colleagues at the University of Kansas

are undertaking two large-scale studies to better understand

children and youth with Asperger Syndrome in order to

plan effective interventions. The first study will involve

completion of surveys and interviews via phone by parents

and children/adolescents. Brenda and her colleagues will

assist in these tasks.

In the second study, children/adolescents with Asperger

Syndrome will be provided with a software program that

teaches emotions and will be asked to use it for 2 hours

per week for 10 weeks. Parents who have children with

Asperger Syndrome (ages 8 to 18) who are interested in

learning more about the study are asked to contact Brenda

at [email protected].


The
Cody Center

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY
5-18 years old

The Cody Center is currently recruiting

participants ages 5-18 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum

Disorder, who are not on medication, to participate in

a neuroimaging study. Younger patients, referred for a

brain MRI with sedation for clinical reasons, could be

also considered for the study.

The purpose of the study is to increase our understanding

of the chemical structure of the brain in the presence

of this disorder by using a MRI technique called MR Spectroscopy

(MRS).

Participants will need to lie still for about 45 minutes

to one hour (session can be divided or interrupted if

needed) and they will receive a free MRI study of the

brain as part of the procedure.

The procedure does not involve any injections; use contrast

material or radiation. MRI/MRS are considered a safe procedure

in children.

If you are interested in participating or wish to learn

more about the study please contact:

Allen Azizian

Voice: (631) 632-3074

Email: [email protected]


Mount Sinai
School of Medicine

18-45 years old
Neuroscience PET Laboratory



RESEARCH STUDY:

“DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING IN AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S DISORDER

(GCO# 00-0951, IRB approved through 7/31/04)

We are looking for individuals with autism and/or Asperger’s

Disorder (18-40 years old) in the New York City area to

participate in a neuroimaging research study. The purpose

of this study is to learn more about which areas of the

brain are involved in attention and how they connect with

each other. By learning more about the mechanisms of attention,

the investigators may help the discovery of new treatments

for autism, Asperger’s Disorder, and other neurological

and psychiatric illnesses.

Your participation will involve three visits to Mount

Sinai School of Medicine. The first visit will involve

a diagnostic interview to clinically verify your diagnosis.

In addition, you will receive a Positron Emission Tomography

(PET) scan and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan

on separate days.

If you receive both PET and MRI scans you will receive

$200 in reimbursement for your time and expenses. You

will receive $100 if you have only one of the scans.

If you are interested in participating in our research

study or if you have any questions, please contact Liz

LiCalzi at 212-241-6314 or email [email protected].

For more information about the Neuroscience PET Laboratory

visit our website:

www.mssm.edu/psychiatry/PETlab.shtml




The Family Studies Research
Center
at
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
is
INVESTIGATING GENETIC FACTORS IN AUTISM AND RELATED DISORDERS

The Family Studies Research Center at the Mount Sinai

School of Medicine is conducting a genetic research study

of autism and related disorders (e.g., Asperger’s Syndrome,

Pervasive Developmental Disorder.) They are working with

centers for autism research and treatment, in order to

reach out to families across the United States who might

be interested in participating with them. Nationwide,

they plan to study 600 families with multiple cases of

autism or related disorders.

The major goal of the project is to identify a gene, or

set of genes, that underlie autism and related disorders.

Research suggests that certain types of disorders, such

as autism, have a very strong genetic component. By studying

families with two or more cases of autism, or a related

disorder, researchers can identify genetic factors that

may pass from one generation to the next and predispose

some family members to spectrum disorders.

As researchers, we share the hope for many families affected

by autism that future generations will not have to confront

this debilitating disorder. It will take both researchers

and families to realize this goal. Your participation

will help scientists and doctors to better understand

the causes of autism and related disorders, so that more

effective treatments, strategies for prevention, and possibly

a cure can be developed.

What does participation involve and who can participate?

This study involves in-person interviews, an interactive

observation with the children involving toys, book and

other activities, and a blood sample. At your convenience,

a trained member of the research team will meet with you

either in your home or at their offices. Daytime, evening

and weekend appointments are available. Families in which

two or more relatives have autism or a related disorder

can participate in this study.

Families are not compensated for their participation,

but will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.

If you have questions, want to learn more about our program,

or want to participate, please contact Lauren Donnelly

at 718 584 9000, x 6960 or email

[email protected]

   You can also visit us on the web at www.mssm.edu/psychiatry/famstud.shtml.

We look forward to hearing from you!


Parents of young children with autism spectrum disorders:
Their experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy
in the context of family of family-centered services

You are invited to take part in a study conducted by Panagiotis

A. Rekoutis, M.A., OTR/L, from the Occupational Therapy

Department at New York University. This study is part

of his doctoral dissertation. The purpose of the study

is to learn more about parents’ experiences and perceptions

of occupational therapy in the context of family-centered

services, through one-to-one interviews and focus group

discussions.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Parents/legal guardians of children

    3 to 9 years old, who have been diagnosed with an

    autism spectrum disorder (Autism Disorder or Pervasive

    Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified according

    to DSV-IV).

  • Parents/legal guardians whose children

    receive occupational therapy services that can be

    either home or center-based, or a combination of both.

  • The above mentioned occupational therapy

    services have been provided for at least twice a week

    for a period longer than six months during the last

    2-3 years.

  • Parents/legal guardians, who have (or

    have had) regular contact with their child’s occupational

    therapist (talked to them at least once every two

    weeks) within the context of the intervention program

    that is (or was) followed.

  • Parents/legal guardians who can communicate

    in English.

If you would like to learn more about or participate in

this research,

please contact Panagiotis A. Rekoutis at (212) 996 9019

ext. 5446; email: [email protected].



Doctoral Student Doing Dissertation
on Parental Stress

Kirsten Witt, M.S., a Doctoral student in psychology at

St. John’s University, is doing a dissertation on the

impact of having a child with autism. She is seeking parents

of a child (2-12 years of age) with autism to participate.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of

characteristics associated with autism on parental stress

level and how parent irrationality affects parental stress.

By participating in the study, you will be asked to sign

a consent form and to complete a brief questionnaire packet.

Participation is voluntary and questionnaire packets will

take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Please understand

that records of this study will be kept confidential,

and you will not be identified in any written or verbal

reports.

If you would like to participate in this study or have

any questions, please email [email protected]. Please include your name

and address, and a questionnaire packet will be mailed

to you. A self-addressed stamped envelope will also be

included, so your participation will be at no cost to

you.


 

<

back to top

 

 
AHA does not endorse or recommend any product or treatment. This site is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult with experienced professionals to determine the most effective treatment for your own child as each child and situation are unique.