Research

As a service to people recruiting for ASD-related research, we post studies that come to our attention that have been reviewed by ethics or internal review boards (IRBs). If you are considering participation, you should address any questions or concerns directly to the contacts listed, not ASA/OCC. As an organization, we do not endorse any specific research projects or methodologies. Studies will be added as we become aware of them - so visit this page often.

To submit a research project for consideration or to be notified of new research postings, please email your request to chapterinfo@asaoakland.org. Please include your name, email address and phone number.

Study examining the relationship between parents' beliefs about causes, trust in research, information preferences, and treatment selection

The results of this study will advance our understanding of the beliefs and preferences of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.

I am a graduate student under the supervision of Dr. Ethan Remmel, Ph.D. (Ethan.Remmel@wwu.edu) in the Psychology Department of Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. For a thesis project, I have set up an online survey for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders to share their beliefs regarding the cause(s) of their child's autism and their trust in current research. The survey will collect data on the sources of information and treatments that parents select, in the hopes that the findings will improve communication between service providers, researchers, and parents, therefore enabling children with autism spectrum disorders and their families to get safe and effective support and treatment.

I would greatly appreciate your help with this project. By by sharing this link with others you can help a diverse sample of parents share their experiences and opinions. The identity of the parents will be kept entirely confidential – no personally identifying information will be collected within the survey and no information associated with the computer on which the survey is completed will be collected. The survey should take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You can preview the survey

Please feel free to contact me with questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this project.
Sincerely,
Melanie L. Mack
Mackm2@cc.wwu.edu

University of Michigan Autism & Communication Disorders Center Genetics of Autism Study

The University of Michigan Autism and Communications Center is looking for families interested in helping research the genetic causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). See flyer for details of the study and the criteria for participation.

University of Michigan Bicycle Camp & Resarch Study

We are recruiting youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 9- 18 years old who would like to learn how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Participants will be randomly assigned to participate in the bicycle camp in June of 2008 or the camp in June of 2009; the camps are at no cost to the participants. Various health-related measurements will be obtained prior to the June 2008 camp date.

The aim of the camp is to assist children and adolescents to learn how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle without training wheels. The children will be trained 75 minutes per day for 5 days on an individual basis with specially designed bikes that tip much slower than a typical bike. The bikes are adapted throughout the week according to the child's skill level.

If you are interested in participating in this study or have any questions please contact Megan MacDonald at meganmac@umich.edu or by phone 734.936.2607. All participants must enter the study by June 2008 to be considered for both the 2008 and 2009 camps. [More Info]