This National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded project tests the efficacy of a rigorous reading intervention on reading comprehension and brain responses in autistic and non-autistic children with comprehension difficulties. Participants will receive an intervention through Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes called Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V) for Language Comprehension and Thinking.  In our previous studies, we have found significant success with this intervention, and we are now extending the application of our science to children to receive the V/V intervention free of cost if they are eligible for the study. We are recruiting children with and autism (ages 7-13 years) who have strong reading fluency and accuracy skills (ability to read at age level with minimal errors), but difficulties in reading comprehension.  

The study has 3 phases: pre-testing, intervention, and post-testing. Pre- and post-testing will take place at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There are two days of testing for both pre-and post-sessions- one day for evaluation testing and one day for MRI scanning. The first day lasts 4.5 hours and consists of a variety of paper-pencil assessments. The second day consists of the fMRI scan, which includes 30 minutes of participant preparation and 1 hour of scanning (1.5 hours total). Participants are compensated $125 for pre-and post-testing and are responsible for travel and accommodations to UAB.

Those interested and/or who would like more information may contact us at (205) 202-0616 or [email protected]. 

This study is being run by Olivia Dobson (Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student) and her supervisor Dr. C. Meghan McMurtry (Professor) both from the Pediatric Pain, Health, and Communication (PPHC) Lab. We are aiming to obtain feedback from autistic youth and their caregivers on a Social Story that we created about the vaccination process. The goal of the Social Story is to help families prepare for and cope with vaccination. In part 1, we already obtained feedback from families and professionals and made some changes, so now in part 2, we are looking for more feedback before doing a study on the outcomes of using the Social Story to prepare for a real vaccination.

About the study:

We are conducting an interview-based study to better understand autistic adolescents’ experiences living with an autistic parent. Our goal is to better understand their perspectives and the dynamics of families with a shared autistic identity. 

Eligibility:

Teens must: 1) be 13 to 18 years old with a formal autism diagnosis, 2) be living in Canada with at least one autistic parent, and 3) be aware of their own and their parent’s autistic identity.

What is involved:

• An online Zoom interview between the teen and a researcher (45-90 minutes). Accommodations are available. 
• A brief 5-minute online demographic questionnaire.

Participating families will receive a $25CAD e-gift card of their choice (Starbucks, Amazon, Uber).

Interested participants can learn more about the study and share their interest by filling out a 2-3 minute screener survey using this link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08SmUtkS5XlvF6S

About the study:

We are conducting a survey-based study to better understand how having an autistic parent may affect autistic adolescents’ mental health and masking. By understanding these relationships, our goal is to help inform how we support autistic adolescents and their families.

Eligibility:

A parent and an autistic teen are needed to participate in the study.

• Teens: 1) Must be 13 to 18 years old, 2) Must have a formal autism diagnosis, 3) Must live in Canada or the USA, and 4) Must not have a history of intellectual disability.
• Parents: 1) Can participate whether they are autistic or not, and 2) Must live with the teen a minimum of 3 days per week in Canada or the USA.

What is involved:

• A 10-minute online survey completed by a parent
• A 15-20-minute online survey completed by an autistic teen ages 13 to 18 years.
• Prior to completing the surveys, both the parent and adolescent participants will need to schedule a brief 5-minute Zoom video call to verify their identities, review consent and assent forms, and answer any questions.

Participating families will be entered to win one of 10 $50CAD e-gift cards (Starbucks, Amazon, or Uber) to thank you for your time.

Interested participants can learn more about the study and share their interest by filling out a 2-3 minute screener survey using this link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM

TUNE In is a 13 week program helping autistic adults interact with other people with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity. 

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Have a diagnosis of ASD from a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or other mental health/medical professional
• Do not have a history of intellectual disability
• Can attend weekly sessions for this 13-week program.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to participate in interviews and fill out questionnaires to assess autism symptoms, social understanding, and social skills. If you are found to be eligible for the study, you will be randomly selected to participate in a seasonal session of TUNE In. 

TUNE In sessions will occur in person or online via teleconferencing software, depending on your preferences. The whole study, from applying to participating in the group to filling out the final questionnaires, will last approximately 9 months.