If you are interested in participating in research, please browse the list below. These research studies are NOT affiliated with NYFAC, and NYFAC has no control over the course of these studies.

 
1) Genetics of Developmental Differences

Molecular and Family Genetics of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (Simons Simplex Collection)

Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Columbia University is one of 13 clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada that are recruiting families to participate in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD.  Eligibility criteria: one child age 4 or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis, and both biological parents willing to participate.   Family participation involves completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. The Simons Simplex Collection obtains, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD.  Through performing genetic analyses, they hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.  Each family member will receive $50 upon completion of the protocol. Each family will also receive a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.  Please click here for more info.


2) Research Study

Seeking:

Parent or primary caregiver must be above the age of 18 years old and have a child between the ages of six to twelve years of age who was diagnosed by a psychologist or medical doctor as having Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OR

Parent must be above the age of 18 years old and have a child between the ages of six to twelve years old who does not have any disabilities as classified by IDEA (2004). It includes autism, Deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and a visual impairment, including blindness.

Study:

The purpose of this study is to gain a greater understanding of temperament- based parental approach to addressing the needs of each child. The research is comprised of three different phases in which parents will be asked to complete several surveys. Parents will be matched according to set criteria established for the research study. They will then be assigned to two groups. Some parents will be asked to implement specific parental strategies to address the needs of their child. This can take place in their home and community environment.  The research will last approximately two months.

Reward:

Once results have been obtained, a thank you letter will be mailed to all the parents as well as $5.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble as an appreciation for participation in the study!

Interested in Learning More:

If you are interested in learning more about this research study, please contact the Principal Investigator, Tara Malka, M.A., Ed.M.  at tdm33@…!


3) ASSESSING INFORMATION PROCESSING AND CAPACITY FOR UNDERSTANDING LANGUAGE IN NON-VERBAL CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS
The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY) and Rutgers University

Who
We are looking for children with Autism who are non-verbal to participate in a study examining their brain’s responses to language.   We are looking for children aged 6-16 years of age who say no words or say few words.

Procedures
Participation would involve coming to the Graduate Center, CUNY (365 5th Ave, NY, NY) for 1–2 visits.  Visits will last 1-2 hours.  Your child will wear a net of damp sponges on their head.  They will listen to words and sentences and see pictures on a computer screen.

Benefits
Your transportation will be covered.  Your child will receive $25.00 per visit.

Contact
To find out more information please contact Michelle MacRoy-Higgins PhD CCC-SLP
646-221-9001, mmacroy@hunter.cuny.edu

Michelle MacRoy-Higgins PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Communication Sciences Program
Hunter College-CUNY
425 E 25th Street
New York, NY 10010
212-481-4358