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.
Families 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]
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].
TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
DOCTORAL STUDY
Children with Asperger syndrome are often misunderstood and often have a hard time in school where they are bullied and not recognized for their talents. Please consider volunteering to participate in an important study by filling out a questionnaire and taking part in a relaxed interview with you picking the time and place.
Susan Carter, a doctoral candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University is inviting Suffolk and Nassau County parents of children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome who are aged 8 to 18 to participate in a dissertation research study. The purpose of the study is to determine how children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome compare to their peers with learning disabilities in adaptive functioning, academic achievement, and victimization. The intent of the study is to assist researchers and educators in understanding two populations of students that are often misunderstood, and also determine if there are factors or predictors of positive outcomes for these highly competent children.
The study involves an in person interview at a location that is convenient to you, the completion of a questionnaire, and your written consent to send a questionnaire to your child's school to obtain educational background data. All information will be confidential.
If you are interested, please contact Susan Carter at [email protected] or at 631 928-7811. Your contribution is important and would be very much appreciated.
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].
THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY AS A THERAPY TOOL
FOR TREATING AUTISM/PDD
Case Study
Adelphi University is looking for individuals diagnosed with autism between 4 and 8 years old to participate in a Case Study to test the effectiveness of unencumbered 3 dimensional virtual reality (virtual reality displayed on a monitor, that does not require a headset or gloves) in treating autism. The study will be conducted on the premises of Adelphi University, in Garden City.
Why Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality Environments are primarily visual and auditory, aligning with the primary learning mode of students
Many individuals with autism prefer interaction with computers. Virtual Reality treatments allow them to be taught in the mode they are more comfortable with.
VR treatments can be customized to the level and abilities of individuals
VR treatments provide structured, consistent, explicit environments
What do I have to do to have my child participate?
Fill out the following questionnaire, and either call Susan Magro, 631 598-0883, fax to 516 877-4274, or email responses to [email protected].
Be prepared to spend 30-45 minutes/week for 7 weeks participating in the trial. Consistent attendance at the sessions is required for the trial to be valid.
Will you be available for a 7 week study starting in July? The sessions will be held once weekly for approximately 30-45 minutes. The study site will be at Adelphi University.
Will your child allow a belt to be placed around his/her waist?
Does your child respond to visual and/or auditory reinforcement?
Does your child respond to either visual or auditory two-step commands?
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 Kryzak at 718 584 9000, x 6961 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!
DOCTORAL STUDENT COMPLETES STUDY
Lauren Tobing, a doctoral student at Fordham University, has completed the research study for her dissertation of children between the ages of 2 and 18 who had been diagnosed with either autism, Asperger's disorder, PDD-NOS, or "autism spectrum disorder". The study entailed filling out a questionnaire about your parenting experiences. The questionnaire was mailed to parents.
She collected data for 2 years and now has enough responses to analyze the data. Ms. Tobing reported "This is a very exciting process and I am looking forward to sharing the findings of the study with you when all of the analyses are complete. Preliminary data analyses show some interesting findings."
Ms Tobing further stated that a summary of the results will be distributed when they are complete. She thanked all the parents who participated.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine:
Investigating Language Processes in Autism
What is the study about?
Autism is characterized by language abnormalities. Such abnormalities might run in families. Language is a complex process, which depends on memory, attention, and planning. Understanding the relations between memory, attention, and planning processes and language, may help clarify the development of language impairments in autism.
The ultimate goal of this study is to identify brain functions that might underlie the development of autism.
This study is sponsored by the Cure Autism Now Foundation and is carried out by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Who is eligible to participate?
Parents and siblings of children with autism.
What does participation involve?
If you choose to participate, you/your child will be given several tests assessing language, memory, planning and attention. Testing will take place at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and should last between 4 to 6 hours.
Will financial compensation be provided?
You/your child, as well as each of your family members completing all actual parts of this study will be reimbursed in the amount of $70 per family member, in addition to any out of pocket expenses (e.g. public transportation) that you incur specifically.
If you are interested in participating, please call 1-212-369 6339
or e-mail: [email protected]
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.
Neuropsychological Testing Research Opportunity for Adults with AS & HFA
WHO:
Anyone over the age of approx. 20. Eight participant openings are left.
WHAT:
The activities involved are both fun and challenging
"brain games." In total, the time invested is less than
3 hours.
WHY:
This testing helps determine strengths and
areas of development. This research is intended to
help individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and High-Functioning
Autism to be more clearly recognized for their abilities,
talents and strengths. The research will also be a helping
step in autism spectrum advocacy by increasing awareness
of AS and HFA in the professional community.
You will receive
neuropsychological testing at no cost to you.
The information that the testing produces helps
identify your personal strengths and identify areas that will benefit
from specific learning and practice. Upon request, the results of
your research participation may be shared with a qualified
clinician/psychologist. This may assist you in identifying your
strongest skills and determining optimal job matches.
WHEN:
This project is in progress, testing
times are typically in the evenings and on weekends.
WHERE:
We have an office location in
Huntington Station, NY. However, we will determine together where you
are most comfortable and least likely to be disturbed.
HOW:
If you would like to participate, or
know someone who would like to take part in this project, please call
(631) 871-6344 as soon as possible.
This research is being
conducted by Eric Hieger, a doctoral student of psychology at CIIS in
San Francisco.
AHA/AS/PDD 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.
