Research Studies
AANE maintains this listing of current research for the community's information and possible participation. Researchers are invited to submit their studies.
Research studies will be removed from this page approximately two years after being posted, unless a different timeframe is specified. Researchers are strongly advised to contact us with new information about their studies periodically. To submit a new study or to make updates to a previously submitted study, use the link below.
FRIENDS Study
11/11/2019
We are looking for girls and boys ages 8-11 living in the greater Boston area to tell us about their friendships! The FRIENDS study is a doctoral dissertation study that aims to learn more about what children want and expect from their friendships. We are interested to include children with autism spectrum disorder as well as children without... more
We are looking to interview Latino families of individuals with disabilities such as autism. The individual with disabilities must be at least 14 years old. Participants will give feedback on our program to increase families’ involvement in future planning for the family member with special needs.
• Who? Latino parents, adult siblings, or... more
We are studying a part of the brain linked to Social Cognition, called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In this study we will ask participants to take assessments that measure Social Cognition (such as being able to recognize emotion from photographs of faces). We will also ask participants to have two separate MRI brain scans. With the MRI... more
SENSE Theatre Study and Tackling Teenage
10/17/2019
The Social Competence and Treatment Lab at Stony Brook University is recruiting participants between the ages of 10 and 16 who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The SENSE Theatre Study is a performance based intervention targeting social skills that includes trained peer actors and theatre techniques. Tackling Teenage Training is an education... more
The Social Competence and Treatment Lab at Stony Brook University is recruiting children ages 11-17 with and without an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The I-SPY study investigates the role that different factors play in kids’ and teens’ “real world” social functioning. The study consists of a few short visits to our lab, one of which includes a... more
The Relationship Workshop
10/17/2019
We are excited to share this new study, presented in collaboration between the Social Competence & Treatment Lab (SCTL) and the Relationship Development Center (RDC) at Stony Brook University.
The Relationship Workshop is a skill-based workshop that aims to help people develop skills to have healthy romantic relationships – what we call... more
Assessing Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder Survey Study
The Social Competence and Treatment Lab at Stony Brook University is recruiting primary care providers who treat patients under 22 years of age to fill out a survey. This new survey study will evaluate the knowledge that primary care providers have regarding... more
The Relationship Workshop
10/16/2019
The Relationship Workshop
We are excited to share this new study, presented in collaboration between the Social Competence & Treatment Lab (SCTL) and the Relationship Development Center (RDC) at Stony Brook University.
The Relationship Workshop is a skill-based workshop that aims to help people develop skills to have healthy... more
What was your experience of childbirth (either giving birth or being present as a support partner)? We are looking for autistic adults who have experienced childbirth (either giving birth or being present for a birth as a support partner) to share your stories with us!
We are four undergraduate nursing students at the University of Vermont... more
𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀
09/27/2019
Researchers at Binghamton University are looking for 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 (𝟲-𝟭𝟳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱) with or without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to take an 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 about their child’s experiences with... more
The Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a research study investigating the
structure and function of the brain of adults with and without autism spectrum disorders
using MR-PET scans. Patients must be 18-40 years old, with or without an autism spectrum
disorder. There are 3+ visits; participants are compensated for their... more
Volunteers Needed: If you are over 19 and enjoy playing online games I would be interested to hear from you. This study will explore the influence of online gaming on strengthening communication skills for adults in the autism spectrum (ASD). This study will have people with ASD express and contribute their ideas of what they would like to see in... more
If you are a young adult who is autistic and/or has intellectual disability, between the ages of 18 and 26, a family member, or service provider for this population, you are invited to participate in a study.
You will be asked to fill out a short online survey (about 10-20 minutes) about your experiences with transition to independent living.... more
I am currently looking for children to participate in a research project looking at the childhood experiences of being identified with an invisible disability. Participating children should have an invisible disability (defined as a disability that one cannot see on the surface, allowing the child to pass as typically developing) and be between... more
Researchers at Rutgers University in Newark are investigating how the brain processes social and semantic language in college attending adults with autism. We are currently recruiting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participants who are between ages 18-30, right-handed, native English speakers. The study consists of 3 sessions. The first session... more
The Implications of Grandparent Caregivers Raising Grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorders
08/15/2019
There are a growing number of grandparents raising their grandchildren in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2015), approximately 2.7 million Americans are grandparent caregivers, and approximately 7 million children are being raised by their grandparents. Children being raised by their grandparents have significant... more
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often do not engage in appropriate play without being explicitly taught to do so (Kossyvaki & Papoudi, 2016). Although there is research demonstrating that parents, teachers, and peers can effectively implement interventions to improve play skills and other social skills in children with ASD, there... more
The goal of this research is to explore the stories of young adults, who identify on the autism spectrum, as they work through their decision to disclose their identity in the workplace. Participants will be asked to participate in one interview session, consisting of a dozen questions, conducted by the student researcher. The session will last... more
Sleep and Memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder
08/07/2019
We are studying sleep and memory in healthy volunteers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study involves three sessions of taking naps after lunch while we record brain activity using non-invasive EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG), in addition to a finger-tapping task and a separate session for an MRI. We are looking for... more
This online study is being conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in order to learn more about some of the experiences related to sex that adults with autism may have, and characteristics that may be related to these experiences. The survey includes questions about your demographic information; some traits you... more
My research examines the needs of the direct support system of children on the Autism Spectrum. The current study focuses on understanding the impact of spiritual well-being and support systems (family and community services) has on the level of stress of African American or Black parents or guardians of children with ASD. I will be recruiting... more
We are recruiting children between the ages of 7 to 12 who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Our study explores the development of children who have autism, particularly during social interaction. Participating in these studies may help advance autism research, treatment, and intervention. Kids... more
Autism Study at MGH
07/08/2019
We are researching newly developed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic techniques. The goal of our research is to test the validity of two ASD diagnostic techniques: a behavioral test and an eye-tracking assessment. These techniques could be used at a very young age, so that early intervention is possible for the best development of the... more
FRIENDS Study
07/03/2019
We are looking for children ages 8-11 in the greater Boston area to tell us about their friendships! The FRIENDS study is a doctoral dissertation study that aims to learn more about what children want and expect from their friendships. We are interested to include children with autism spectrum disorder as well as children without autism, as we aim... more
Looking for Parents of Postsecondary Students with Autism to Participate in a Paid Research Study
As a parent and student, I am reaching out to you as a fellow parent to help me with a research study I am working on at the University of Illinois at Chicago in order to complete my Ph.D. in Special Education. I am trying to learn how parents of... more
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Recreation Study: Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum
We are interested in learning more about the recreational activities of young adults on the autism spectrum.
THE STUDY MAY BE A GOOD FIT IF YOU ARE:
Between 18 & 23 years of age
On the autism spectrum
Able to take pictures without any help
Able to talk... more
The Impact of Touch on Social Skills
06/24/2019
The study consists of a 15-20 minute survey that looks at responses to touch and social skills. The study is open to anyone over the age of 18. The aim of the study is to look at how to touch processing affects the daily lives of people with autism.
The study has ethical approval from Newcastle University. There are no anticipated risks to... more
Are you a father of a child or teenager (ages 5-18) with autism?
Have you ever felt that people don’t understand what your life is like and how you feel?
Have you ever been rejected, judged, or embarrassed by friends, family, or even complete strangers because you are the father of an amazing and wonderful child with autism?
Participate... more
This study will explore how a mindfulness-based program can influence occupational performance and satisfaction for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This research will use mindfulness-based intervention to potentially assist participants to better cope with stress in their lives. This can potentially have a positive impact... more
The study looks at common tactile issues and how they impact on social skills. Touch sensory differences are common but can become more severe in certain people and have an impact on everyday social interactions. We are asking you to take part so that we can gain a better understanding of what tactile sensory problems people experience and how... more
Hi there!
I am a postgraduate researcher from the University of Bristol. I am currently completing a thesis that focusses on strengths amongst many autistic people in the emotional understanding of and connection with music. Specifically, the research aims to apply findings on musical emotional understanding of empathy research. My reading and... more
Promoting Family Resilience: Effect of a Parenting Intervention on Families of Children with Autism
06/20/2019
Our study focus on supporting parents of children with autism through a parental intervention program focused on building resilience and improve emotional wellbeing.
Eligibility:
All parents of children with autism ages between 2 years-6 years.
Study Description:
Participants will be either assigned to receive the intervention program... more
Wandering Risk Research Study
06/20/2019
Researchers at Cohen Children’s Medical Center are conducting a new, IRB-approved, national study about wandering in youth with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are the parent of a child who wanders, you may be eligible to participate. Participants will be asked to spend approximately 30 minutes completing an anonymous, online... more
Safer Dating for autistic teenagers
06/20/2019
Experts in dating violence and healthy relationships promotion from Boston University has been funded by the Organization for Autism Research to design and pilot-test a six-session curriculum on healthy dating for teenagers with Asperger's profile. Topics include understanding healthy and unhealthy dating behaviors, warning signs of abuse, knowing... more
This research is looking into moral decision making in adults with autism. If you are over the age of 18 and have an autism diagnosis (ASD, Autism, or Asperger's), please consider participating in the following short online study:
https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3IutG0cXDkqQCTr
Participation in this study will involve... more
I'm looking for adults (over the age of 18) both with and without ASD to participate. It involves answering an anonymous online questionnaire which should take around 15 minutes to complete. The project is for my Master's dissertation and is supervised by Dr Rachel Marsden at Sheffield Hallam University; it's looking at perceived stress, anxiety,... more
Hello,
The Sibling Leadership Network is conducting a survey about the experiences of siblings of individuals with disabilities. Given your constituency, would you be interested in sharing our attached flyer with the individuals and families you serve? If you are interested, I am attaching the flyer in this e-mail.
By participating in this... more
This study is looking to better understand the emotions and behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between the ages of 5 and 9. We are looking for parents of a child on the spectrum, without language and intellectual impairment (or formerly Asperger's Syndrome) to complete an online survey. The survey will ask parents to think... more
Siblings FORWARD:
Article
STUDY WITH LATINO FAMILIES OF ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR DISABILITIES SUCH AS AUTISM:
We are looking to interview Latino siblings of adults with autism or Latino adults with autism. Participants will give feedback on our program to increase siblings’ involvement in future planning for
their brother/sister with special needs.
***Study... more
SEEKING PARENT/GUARDIAN AND PROVIDER PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS!
I am a PhD student at UMass Boston conducting a research study on the experiences of young people who are both autistic and transgender. I want to understand how young people think about autism and gender identity, and how autistic transgender adolescents and young adults... more
This research project is looking into characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and psychological well-being in adult females. The study aims to further the current understanding of how ASD presents in females, and to explore the connection between ASD and psychological well-being.
If you are female, with or without ASD, and aged 18 or... more
If you have a child (any age) that has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the past 3 years, and you were present when the diagnosis was given, you are invited to participate in an online research survey!
The purpose of this study is to better understand how parents receive a diagnosis of ASD and how their clinicians... more
Boston University is now recruiting high school seniors and their parents to participate in an 18-month longitudinal study on the post-school outcomes of students on the autism spectrum. We are looking for students who are in their last year of high school and who will graduate with a regular high school diploma.
Parents will complete online... more
Blended Family life on the spectrum
02/19/2019
Almost nothing is known about the process of family formation among remarried families of children with autism. In this qualitative interview study I propose to interview approximately 10 sets of parents to determine what adaptations family members have had to make in order to form a new blended family. In particular I want to know what challenges... more
Purpose: This study is being conducted to develop a tool to measure “theory of mind” in adults. Theory of Mind is defined as the ability to recognize and understand thoughts, beliefs, desires, and intentions of other people in order to make sense of their behavior and predict what they are going to do next. The Theory of Mind Inventory is an... more
Looking for Massachusetts participants.
Are you autistic or have intellectual disability? Are you between 18 and 26 years old? Then Irina Cain at Brandeis University is inviting you to take part in a study on what to do if you want to live on your own.
This study is about understanding what schools and service providers can do to help you live... more
Irina Cain at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy is inviting parents or family members of young adults aged 18-26 with autism or intellectual disability to participate in a study on independent living.
This study is about understanding what barriers and supports your family experienced when planning for your child to live independently.... more
Irina Cain at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy is inviting service providers for young adults aged 18-26 with autism or intellectual disability to participate in a study on independent living.
This study is about understanding what your role was in planning for independent living and providing resources for the family.
Participating... more
My name is So Yoon, and I am a doctoral student at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and am currently conducting a study examining experiences of autistic undergraduate students to find better support autistic students on campus. With this study, we hope to inform colleges/universities of better ways to support autistic students on... more
I am a PhD student at UMass Boston conducting a research study on the experiences of adolescents who are both autistic and transgender. I want to understand how young people think about autism and gender identity, and how autistic transgender adolescents engage with medical providers.
To explore this subject, I am interested in talking to 3... more
Organization: Cambridge Focus/Mad*Pow
Contact: dsimon@cambridgefocus.com; (978) 344-5141
Purpose: To understand how different children interact with a variety of accessible educational materials originally developed for students with low vision.
Description: 9th-grade students with autism or other special needs will go to Mad*Pow's... more