We are pleased to share these research opportunities with you and your family members. Please click on the links below to learn more.

NEW

Online parent module study blurb & flyer:

Researchers at the University of Texas, Baylor University, and University of Maryland are excited to invite families of young children (age 0-5) who are waiting for an autism diagnostic evaluation or related services (e.g., ABA) to participate in the MENU Study. This 10-week program is conducted entirely over Zoom, so families can participate from home. The program is designed to provide support and resources while waiting for evaluations or services in the areas of (1) parent mental health, (2) child’s challenging behaviors, and (3) child’s social communication skills.

If you have any questions, our study team is happy to help: menustudy@utexas.edu

Research Opportunity for Caregivers

We’re sharing an opportunity to help deepen understanding and support for Asian American families in the autism community 

A research team is conducting a study focused on the daily lives of Asian American families of autistic children—including family dynamics, sibling relationships, and how culture shapes each family’s experience. The goal is to use these insights to create programs that better support Asian American families.

They are currently seeking participation from families that can include:

  • At least one caregiver
  • One autistic child
  • One non-autistic sibling (this term includes siblings who may be neurodivergent but do not have autism)

Families who participate will take part in a 60–90 minute interview with a member of the research team. Participation is voluntary and confidential. Interviews can be held on Zoom or in person, based on your preference.

As a thank you, families will receive a $50 gift card to help cover time and transportation.

If you or a family you know may be interested, please complete the screening form here:
https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_3khdGlHPddrByTk

For more information view the FLYER.

Thank you for helping share this opportunity. For questions, please contact: autismstudy@ssw.umaryland.edu
Autism Diagnosis Research Study

We’re excited to share a virtual opportunity designed to support families during the waiting period for autism evaluations and services 

Researchers from the University of Texas, Baylor University, and the University of Maryland are inviting families of young children (ages 0–5) who are awaiting an autism diagnostic evaluation or related services (such as ABA) to participate in the MENU Study.

This 10-week program is conducted entirely over Zoom, making it easy for families to join from home. The program is designed to provide support and resources in three key areas:
• Parent mental health
• Child’s challenging behaviors
• Child’s social communication skills

Families can sign up by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using this link:
https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_557bWxqBCvxPzCK

View the flyer HERE.

To learn more, you can watch this overview video:
https://youtu.be/kkjHBA6tFO4

If you have any questions, the study team is happy to help: menustudy@utexas.edu

Researchers from the University of Virginia are seeking caregivers of children or adults with autism to participate in an anonymous research study focused on understanding caregiver well-being and family experiences.

About the Study:
• ~15-minute online survey
• Questions about your experiences as a caregiver and related personal perspectives
• Completely anonymous

Eligibility:
• Caregivers age 18 or older
• Caring for a child or adult with autism

Compensation:
Participants may choose to enter a drawing to win one of two $50 gift cards.

This study is part of a Distinguished Majors Program project in the UVA Psychology Department and has been approved by the University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board (Protocol #7724).

Interested in participating?
ACCESS THE STUDY HERE

For questions, contact:

Research Opportunity for Parents & Caregivers

Georgetown University’s Berkeley School of Nursing is seeking parents and caregivers to participate in a qualitative research study about experiences with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic process. The goal is to better understand what families go through and how healthcare professionals can improve the diagnostic journey. CLICK HERE to view the Flyer.

Eligibility:
• Parent/caregiver age 18+
• Child diagnosed with ASD within the last 2 years
• Live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia
• English-speaking

Participation:
• One-hour in-person interview at a mutually agreed location
• Optional review of interview transcript by email

Compensation:
Participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card after completing the interview.

Interested?
Complete the interest form here:
https://georgetown.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9T98kUJggUAoByS

Questions may be directed to ks1920@georgetown.edu

Inviting autistic teens and adults

Advancing knowledge of the autistic experience

Volunteers are needed to participate in a research study to help us improve access to autism diagnosis. Researchers at UVA are seeking autistic people ages 16-30 to answer questions and complete surveys. These activities can be done out loud, by writing, online or using AAC.

If you join, you will participate in 1-2 visits. You will receive up to $300 for participating, and results of study assessments can be shared with you free of charge.

You may also be invited to complete optional activities at other visits:

  • Interviews (up to 1 hour)
  • Brain scan using MRI (up to 1-2 hours)

For More Information:

Principal Investigator: Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D. Dept of Neuropsychology. HSR 220423.

Our study is seeking and welcomes people of all ethnoracial identities to participate.

UVA IRB-HSR IRBHSR@virginia.edu 434-924-2620

Institutional Review Board

UVA IRB-HSR IRBHSR@virginia.edu 434-924-2620

SOAR – Studying Outcomes of Autistic Individuals Transitioning to Adulthood

Children’s National Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are partnering on an important new study focused on helping autistic youth build stronger daily living skills and improve quality of life as they transition out of high school.

Researchers are exploring how access to services, self-determination, and executive functioning skills (like problem-solving and planning) affect independence in areas such as self-care, home life, and getting around in the community.

For more information please visit the SOAR WEBSITE or DOWNLOAD THIS FLYER.

Who can participate:

  • Autistic teens or young adults (or those who meet eligibility based on screening)

  • In their last two years of high school or enrolled in a transition program

  • Have a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) greater than 50

This study is led by Dr. Lauren Kenworthy (Children’s National Hospital) and Dr. Benjamin Yerys (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) and supported by a grant titled “A Longitudinal Study Identifying Psychological and Service Delivery Targets to Improve Daily Living Skills and Quality of Life Outcomes Among Transition-age Autistic Youth.”

To learn more or see if you qualify, contact Alejandro Todd at datodd@childrensnational.org

 

Project Title: Understanding Well-Being in Families of Autistic Individuals, #7724

Principal Investigator: Sanjana Subbanna (agd3uy@virginia.edu) 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Zoe Robertson (zms8ya@virginia.edu) 

Researchers from the University of Virginia are looking for caregivers (18 or older) of children/adults with autism to participate in a ~15 minute research study, which will be conducted through an online survey. In the study, you will be asked questions about your experience as a caregiver and related personal attitudes about yourself and your child. This study is a part of a Distinguished Majors Program project for the Psychology Department at the University of Virginia. 

If you are interested in participating, the study can be accessed through this link. The study has been approved by the University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board (Protocol #7724).