Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Studies

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Social Coordination

The purpose of this study is to understand how motor function- the way we move our faces and bodies- impacts social communication. We are seeking adolescents ages 12-17 with or without ASD or a mixed psychological diagnosis (ADD, ADHD, ODD, or anxiety).  To accommodate COVID protective measures, most of the study tasks can be completed from home through video-based assessment and online questionnaires. Then, families will be asked to make one or two short visits to the Roberts Center. During this visit you will play games and talk with our research staff. All participants will also receive a full psychological work-up, including behavioral testing for ADHD, anxiety, autism, and mood disorders. Participants and their parents are paid for their time completing the virtual visit as well as for time spent completing questionnaires. Each participant also receives a full psychological report and  personalized feedback with recommendations.

MRI Study for Prediction of ASD

This study seeks to understand the key differences and similarities in brain development between infants whose siblings do and do not have autism. Participants will be asked to make 3 visits to CHOP over time to complete cognitive and behavioral testing and a non-invasive MRI. Participants will be compensated for their time and receive a written feedback report.

Vocal Biomarkers of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The goal of this study is to identify unique characteristics in the way kids and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) speak in comparison to typically developing peers. We are looking to partner with children and adolescents ages 6-17 with a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children and adolescents. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all study activities

may be completed from home. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, as well as weekly language-based activities 7 times. You will receive compensation for your participation. Upon request, you will receive a clinical report detailing assessment results. 

SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge

The mission of SPARK is to ignite research at an unprecedented scale to improve lives by advancing our understanding of autism. To join this national autism research cohort, individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism and their biological family members will be asked to share information about their medical and family history, as well as provide a DNA sample. Please contact the Center for Autism Research for more information at 1-866-570-6524 or autism@email.chop.edu.

Comorbidity of Autism and Epilepsy

Dr. William Gaetz. has partnered with pediatric neurologist, Dr. Eric Marsh and neuropsychologist, Dr. Lisa Blaskey to better understand Epilepsy in children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study will use a non-invasive brain scanning technology as well as cognitive testing results to understand brain differences in children with Autism and Epilepsy. We hope that the information we get from this study will help children in the future who have ASD. For this research to be successful we need to work with male children with a diagnosis of ASD or ASD and Epilepsy who are 8 to 17 years of age. Families will be reimbursed for their time and have an opportunity to discus their child's cognitive testing results with our neuropsychologist post testing. Please contact our study staff at MEGstudies@email.chop.edu for more information.

What Do You Eat? An Online Study for Youth with ASD

The goal of this research study is to develop an online questionnaire about what youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) eat and how it impacts their daily lives. Youth (7-16 years) and their parent(s) will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about food and eating habits. Parents will be asked to complete an additional child background and medical history questionnaire. All families will be paid for their time with an online gift card.

To participate in the What Do You Eat? online study, go to: https://redcap.link/whatdoyoueat