Research on Autism
On-Going Research - Participants Needed:
Online Study for Parents of Children between the Ages of 5-12 Diagnosed with ASD.
Parents of children between the ages of 5-12 diagnosed with ASD are needed to participate in an online study at Queen’s University. The study will require you to complete questionnaires about your child’s behaviours and emotional responses. The study is being conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Kelley's lab at Queen's University. The study is completely confidential and non-invasive. To participate, go to tinyurl.com/QueensASDstudy and enter the password: asdstudy.
Effects of Parent-Delivered Massage in Young Children with Autism in the Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge areas
Western Oregon University's Teaching Research Institute has been awarded a grant by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau to conduct a three-year study on the beneficial effects of parent-delivered massage in young children with autism. Teaching Research Institute at Western Oregon University has been teaching parents a daily massage program that has been shown in early studies to be effective in helping children become more comfortable with touch. Children become calmer, are better able to learn, and exhibit better behavior overall.
Starting this fall, 50 children under age six will have the opportunity to participate in the study. In the fall of 2014, 35 children ages 6 through 11 will be enrolled in the study. Families enrolled in the study will receive free training, treatment, and assessments. Participants will be recruited from the Portland, Columbia Gorge, Salem, Albany/Corvallis, and Eugene areas, and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in learning more about the study can visit www.qsti.org or call 503.474.0218.
Improving Communication with Siblings:
The SocialsibS project, funded by a Treatment grant from Autism Speaks, will investigate the effects of a 10-week social communication intervention implemented within the PSU Speech & Language clinic. The intervention will use video modeling with the child with ASD and teach the sibling strategies to improve communication. These two methods of video modeling and sibling mediation, have been found to be effective in improving social communication for children with ASD. http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/grants/hybrid-social-communication-intervention-children-asd-sibling-mediation-and-video-mod)
Families are currently being recruited for participation in the study. Families will receive 10 weeks of intervention individualized to their child's specific social communication goals. Recruiting children with ASD ages 4-7 and siblings with typical development ages 5-10.
Compensation:
* 10 weeks of social communication intervention services,
* Free PSU parking during intervention services
* Two $20 Fred Meyer gift cards (one upon enrollment and one at discharge from the study)
Walden University Adult Caregiver Survey:
Are you a caregiver of an individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who recently graduated (or aged out) of high school this past year? If so, please click on the link below and take a brief questionnaire. It should take you less than five minutes to complete. If you meet the criteria for participation, a behavior rating scale and a self-addressed stamped envelope for its return will be mailed to the address you provide, which should take you approximately 45 minutes to complete. This is a research study by a doctoral student intended to provide empirical evidence to lawmakers and school district personnel about the importance of implementing and funding community-based instruction for individuals on the spectrum.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CBI_ASD
NCNM (Portland) - Autism Micronutrient Study:
A study about nutrient levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Participants will be asked to come in for one visit at the Helfgott Research Institute at the National College of Natural Medicine. At the visit participants will be asked to fill out a health intake form, give a blood sample, and complete an interview. The entire visit should take about two and half hours. Participants who complete the study will receive the results of their nutrient analysis and a $20 gift card to Fred Meyer. To be eligible participants must:
- Be between 19 and 50 years old
- Be in good health
- Have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
- Not be using a vitamin, mineral, or fish oil supplement within the last 2 months.
For more information call 503-552-1911. IRB #112712
Or see: http://www.ncnm.edu/helfgott-research/study-participation-opportunities/nutrient-levels-in-adults-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.php
OHSU in Portland - Portland Autism Infant Research Study (PAIRS):
The goal of this study is to develop new technologies to detect autism earlier. We are looking for families who have a 0 – 6 month-old baby (or are expecting) and an older child who: 1) is typically developing; OR 2) has an autism spectrum disorder; OR 3) has a developmental delay or learning disability. Familiies would visit the CSLU nursery periodically until their baby is 24 months old. During these visits, babies would wear movement sensors on their arms and legs, and parents would also wear movement sensors on their arms. Audio and video recordings would also be made. The goal is to use these technologies to find early signs of autism in the sounds and movements of infants who are later diagnosed with autism. Please contact the research team at (503) 748-1602 or PAIRS@ohsu.edu for more information. To see the flyer on this study, please click here.
Peter Sciabarra, a doctoral student at the University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences is conducting research in support of his dissertation involving a comparative evaluation of autism support and resource organizations and how they serve the needs of high functioning adults on the autism spectrum. He is also the parent of a 20-year-old young adult with high-functioning autism. He is looking for participants willing to participate in a survey.Take Needs & Services for Adults Survey Now
OHSU in Portland - Brain Imaging Research Study
For children ages 7 to 15 with a diagnosis of high functioning autism. Compensation for children and parents participating. For more information, please call (503) 494-1897 or download this flyer.
Texas Tech University, Marriage & Family Therapy Program, Burkhart Center for Autism - Survey on Stress & Coping among Heterosexual Couples with Children with ASD.
The on-line survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Couples in which both partners complete the survey will have the option of entering themselves in a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card, with a 1 in 10 chance of winning. For more information, contact matt.brown@ttu.edu or 806-743-2820 x 233.
Link for survey: https://atrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1C6LR3d8Ri0eDA0.
Hi, I am Jessica Penwell Barnett, a PhD student at the University of Windsor. I am recruiting participants for my dissertation study on sexuality in the lives of adults on the autism spectrum. http://www.uwindsor.ca/people/barnettj
This study will build knowledge about sexuality from the perspective of Autistic people. It will also contribute to discussions of sexual rights. Participants will receive a $25 gift card to Amazon. Participants must be 18 years or older and live in the United States.
If you decide to participate in this study, you will complete a brief survey and an online interview. You will be asked to refer your romantic partner, if you have one, for a follow-up interview. You will also be asked to refer your main support person (friend, parent, paid worker, etc.) for a follow-up interview. Follow-up interviews are intended to provide information about important relationships in your life and how people close to you think about autism and sexuality.
Please go to http://www.uwindsor.ca/people/barnettj for more information about the study’s aims and to get started!
Jessica Penwell Barnett barnettj@uwindsor.ca is conducting this study. I have received clearance from the University of Windsor Research Ethics Board.


