ONLINE Research Study of Adults ages 18 y/o to 30 y/o with AS/HFA
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
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.
- 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.
Participation Involves:
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:
- Lives in the USA
- Is less than 18 years of age, and
- 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.
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
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
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
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.
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