Research

Location: University of Michigan Autism & Communication Disorders Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Principal Investigator: Dr. Catherine Lord

Contact Information: Barbara Hanna, Study Manager, phone: (734) 936-8600, email: hannab@umich.edu

The Simons Simplex Collection is following in the tradition set by AGRE in setting up a biobank of phenotype and biological samples of families with one child with ASD and at least one child with typical development to be available to interested scientists around the world. Children with ASD and their family members will receive a comprehensive assessment and will become part of an autism initiative to be followed through their centers as new advances emerge.

We are looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center (UMACC) is one of 13 clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada that are recruiting families to participate. The Simons Foundation provides support to researchers studying ASD. For additional information about the Simons Foundation, see: www.simonsfoundation.org.

For this study, we are recruiting families who have: One child aged four or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis, One or more child(ren) age four or older without ASD (preferred, but not required), and Both biological parents also willing to participate.If your child has not previously participated in a diagnostic assessment at UMACC, he/she may be eligible for a free research assessment as part of this study. We will provide your family with a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.

Additionally, participation in this study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. Blood will be donated to the Simons Simplex Collection. The Simons Simplex Collection obtains, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD. Through performing genetic analyses, we hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.

As compensation for your time and travel, each participating family member will receive a $25 gift certificate for completing the initial questionnaire packet, and a $50 gift certificate upon completion of the entire protocol (including the blood draw).

The Early Social Interaction Project (ESI) is a collaborative research effort between the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorder Center (UMACC) and Florida State University (FSU) Department of Communication Disorders. ESI is an intervention project for young children with social-communication delays who are at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Because of new research on early indicators of autism, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be identified at younger ages, increasing opportunities for effective early intervention.

The purpose of the Early Social Interaction project is to compare the effectiveness of two parent-implemented interventions. Both interventions teach caregivers how to support social communication during everyday activities with their child. The project is community based, family-guided, set in natural environments, and involves collaboration with service providers.

UMACC is currently recruiting parents of children who are 16-20 months of age and have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which can be provided through the center if appropriate. Families also must live within 1 hour of UMACC. Families will participate in playgroups, weekly home and clinical intervention sessions, and monthly evaluations. Some of these activities will require videotaping by project staff. The intervention and evaluations will be at no cost to participating families. For more information, please contact the ESI Study Coordinator at 734-764-4048 or mccormj@umich.edu. This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00010724).

The Early Steps Study will evaluate the impact of intervening with toddlers age 2 and younger who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The study is a collaborative effort among researchers at the University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorder Center (UMACC), University of California Davis, and the University of Washington. It seeks to determine if intensive early intervention can reduce the language impairments and social deficits associated with autism.

The intervention, the Early Start Denver Model, fuses developmental and relationship-based intervention techniques with applied behavior analysis teaching strategies. It focuses on using play and positive interactions to teach a developmental curriculum designed for each child based on current abilities and interests.

UMACC is currently seeking families with children who are 12-24 months old, have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having autism, and live within 1 hour of UMACC. Participating families will be randomized to either an in-home intervention group or a community services group. Families in the community services group will receive community services referrals and clinical support by phone, and offered free parent education classes. Families in the in-home intervention group will receive parent training and intervention provided by project staff 20 hours a week for two years. All participating families will receive free developmental assessments with written reports.

For more information, please contact the ESS Study Coordinator at 734-764-4048 or mccormj@umich.edu. This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00016670). [Early steps Brochure]