Using Serious Game Technology to Improve Sensitivity to Eye Gaze in Autism
AutismThe investigators hypothesize that this serious game (designed to provide a learning environment that maximizes opportunities for adolescents with autism to discover the functional utility of eye gaze) will improve sensitivity to eye gaze cues, specifically to identify gazed-at objects, and will also lead to increased social attention to faces in adolescents with autism. The investigators will test this hypothesis in a small-scale exploratory randomized control trial that will include both behavioral and eye tracking outcome measures.
Social Skills in Children With ASD and Process Drama
Autistic DisorderThis is a one-group, pre-post feasibility study of an intensive, interdisciplinary (theatre, Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech Language Pathology (SLP)) intervention targeted at social skill development in children, aged 3-4. The intervention uses process drama modified with OT and SLP techniques and using typically developing peer models. Feasibility outcomes are recruitment rates, retention rates, daily program records of ease of implementing program, and record of modifications needed. Child primary outcomes are Social Skills Improvement Scale (SSIS), Theory of Mind (T0M) Battery and Inventory, Structured Play Assessment (SPA), and Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS) scores within 4 weeks of program end. Secondary outcomes are brain activity in frontal lobe and temporal/parietal areas measured by high density EEG within 4 weeks of program end, parental interview at 3 months related to child's social skills, and observational data on social skills during the program.
Computer-based Social Skills Training for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate changes in subject performance on social skills assessments after engaging in a gaze-controlled video game that leverages ABA principles of learning, in comparison to an alternative game. The secondary objectives of this study are to evaluate changes in subject gaze patterns during social skills assessments after engaging in the video game, including in comparison to an alternative game and to evaluate possible correlations in changes in social skills assessments with changes in subject game play performance.
Development and Pilot Testing of the Students With Autism Accessing General Education (SAAGE) Model...
Autism Spectrum DisorderStudy personnel will use evidence based behavioral skills training procedures to coach educators to implement modules designed to increase the quality of educational services and access to inclusive settings in elementary school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Replication of the The Multi-Media Social Skills Project for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders...
Autism Spectrum DisordersThe objective of this study is to validate a social skills training program manual for adolescents (ages 13-17) with Asperger's Syndrome or high functioning autism. Approximately 150 adolescents with autism spectrum disorders will participate in this study, in groups consisting of 6 adolescents and 6 peer volunteers. Participants will participate in both group therapy and peer generalization sessions (in the form of a photography class) once a week over the course of twelve weeks. Participants and their parents will complete paper and pencil, online, or phone measures and video-recordings to assess the participant's social skills prior to the intervention, at completion of the intervention and three months later.
Adolescent Social Skills Training Program
Asperger's DisorderHigh-functioning AutismThis study is a pre-test, post-test single group design with follow-up at month three. Twenty-four individuals total will participate in this study with 6 participants in each of 4 cohorts. Participants and their parents will complete pre-test measures including both paper and pencil measures and a video-recording to assess the participant's social interaction skills and fluency. These adolescents will participate in both group therapy and peer generalization sessions once a week over the course of twelve weeks. Upon completion of the intervention, participants and parents will complete paper and pencil and video post-test measures. Participants will be encouraged to participate in one follow-up session where the paper and pencil and video measures will be completed again.
Phenotypic and Genetic Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum DisordersThe purpose of the study is to collect phenotypic (observable characteristics) and genetic information about individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their families.
Parent Telehealth Intervention for Children With Autism
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutismAs a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, telecoaching/telepractice models are of urgent importance. Given this, parents in the study will receive parent coaching through weekly video calls. To help us understand the best types of telecoaching, we will offer all participants responsive coaching, with half of the participants receiving an additional opportunity to reflect on their own use of language strategies with a therapist using video feedback and the other half receiving responsive coaching as usual, without video feedback. This information is important in helping us to understand the best way to coach parents using a telepractice model so that parents implement the intervention at high fidelity. Furthermore, we will aim to understand how parent learning style may also influence the implementation of these strategies.
The Impacts of Theta-burst Stimulation on Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder...
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe investigator would like to investigate the impact of theta-burst stimulation over posterior superior temporal sulcus in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Facebook for Social Skills Training in Autism: Project Rex Connect
Autism Spectrum DisorderTwelve participants were randomized to either a Facebook group or a book club group for six weeks. Data was collected on the participants social and behavioral function at both the start and the conclusion of the intervention.