Universities and other organizations across Texas and the United States routinely conduct research related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in order to further their understanding of this lifelong disability. Researchers frequently recruit families and individuals with ASD to provide valuable input for their studies.
As a service to researchers and persons interested in participating in ASD research, TARRC posts studies that are currently seeking participants.
For more information and details on the studies listed below, please contact the person and/or organization indicated in the posting. TARRC staff cannot provide additional information or answer questions regarding these studies. For information to consider before participating in research, please read "Understanding Clinical Trials" on the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) does not endorse any of the studies listed and cannot attest to the quality of the research that will be conducted under the study. Persons interested in participating in research should gather detailed information from the researcher and make an informed decision before becoming involved in a study.
Study Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to determine whether certain environmental risk factors, such as dental amalgam restorations, pesticides and medication use (or combinations of factors), are associated with the development of autism in children.
Participant Demographics: Biological mothers (18 years of age or older) of children between the ages of 2 and 22. The children can either have an established or suspected diagnosis of autism or be typically-developing with no chronic medical problems.
Time Commitment: Participants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding nutrition and exposures, which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. They may also donate their child's baby teeth, if they are available. Participants will be asked to sign and return documents through the mail.
Study Location: This research is being conducted at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, but there is no requirement to visit the facility. Study participation involves completing and returning the survey, along with any donated teeth, through the mail.
Compensation: Participants will receive $5 for completing the survey and become eligible for a drawing for a $25 check (four drawings each year). Funds are limited; participants will be notified during enrollment whether funds still are available.
Recruiting Period: Recruiting is currently ongoing and will end September 2012.
Researchers: Raymond Palmer, Ph.D., and Claudia Miller, M.D., M.S., UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
For More Information: Lynne Heilbrun, M.P.H. at 210-562-6550 or Heilbrun@uthscsa.edu.
Study Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to better understand brain development in children with ASD. The study entails a review of prenatal ultrasound records, comparing children with an ASD diagnosis to children who do not have a diagnosis. Participation for families is minimal and includes a telephone screening to determine eligibility as well as completing medical release forms allowing the research team to request prenatal ultrasound records as well as any relevant ASD diagnostic records.
Participant Demographics: Mothers and children 4-18 years old. We are recruiting both children who have received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as well as typically developing children.
Time Commitment: Eligibility screening will last approximately 20 minutes over the phone. Participants will be asked to sign and return forms through the mail as well.
Study Location: This study is being conducted at the University of Texas at Austin; however, participation is not geographically limited. Participation will include phone and postal mail correspondence between participants and the research team.
Compensation: There is no monetary compensation for this study.
Recruiting Period: Recruiting is currently ongoing and will end August 2012.
Researcher: Greg Allen, Ph.D., Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
For More Information: E-mail allenresearchlab@gmail.com or call 512-471-2747
Study Purpose: Pilot a training program for adults with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism who are interested in learning the skills used by behavior interventionists when working with young children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Participant Demographics: At least 18 years old, have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism, and have no cognitive impairments (verified via documentation provided by the participant). Prospective participants must also indicate an interest in learning the skills and participating in the study.
Time Commitment: Training will last approximately one hour per day, and sessions will be conducted once or twice per week. Study will last approximately one to two months.
Study Location: Study will take place at the University of Houston — Clear Lake campus, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058.
Compensation: Participants will be compensated for their time.
Recruiting Period: Recruiting is currently ongoing and will end December 2011.
Researcher: Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor of Psychology, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, University of Houston Clear Lake
For More Information: E-mail lerman@uhcl.edu (expect a response within 48 hours) or call 281-283-3437; see more information here in PDF format.
For email updates on new studies posted to this page, please subscribe to TARRC.
Researchers interested in having a study posted on the TARRC website should email TARRC@dads.state.tx.us with contact information and study details. The email should include IRB approval letter, brief description of the study, sponsoring organization, methods involving participants, participant time required, participant demographics required, date recruiting effort will end, etc. Please include any document and/or website hyperlink that can provide additional information to persons who might be interested in participating in the study.
DADS reserves the right to exclude studies or delete posted studies from the TARRC website without notice or explanation.
Updated: March 7, 2012