With Autism Without Autism Trip to Pittsburgh About Pittsburgh

PARTICIPATION INFORMATION


With Autism

You (or a parent/guardian if you are under 18 years old) will need to sign and return a consent form to our office.

Once we receive the form in our office a staff member will telephone you to conduct a simple screening interview.   When the interview is complete (approximately 30 minutes), we will ask you to send us any documentation you have regarding your diagnosis, which will be reviewed to see if you meet the criteria of the study.  The study is now accepting individuals with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome (Without Autism-please click on “Without Autism”)

  • Between the ages of 5-45
  • IQ between >80
  • Infants between 6-16 months, there is a study that starts at 5 months.  Parents who are pregnant or have an infant no more than 5 months old may participate.  These infants must have an older sibling with or without an autism spectrum diagnosis, who live within a two-hour drive from the Pittsburgh area.
  • Young children with autism who are not yet speaking in complex sentences.

What we are Studying

We are studying how individuals with autism think and are searching for the existence of possible genetic markers associated with autism spectrum disorders.

 

How we conduct the Research

  • Computer Tests
  • Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests
  • Eye Movement Studies
  • Family History Interview
  • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans
  • Medical History and Physical Exam
  • Pencil/Paper Tests

Benefits to You

  • Results of testing can be helpful for School Intervention, Vocational Planning & SSI
  • A better understanding of you or your Child’s Diagnosis
  • A better understanding of Cognitive Strengths and Weaknesses
  • A contribution to Improved Treatment in the Future
  • Eligible participants will be compensated for the studies that they complete

If you are eligible for the entire study, testing can be completed in 3-5 days.  Travel and lodging will be scheduled and compensated for by the study (participants are responsible for their meals and will not be compensated).  Local participants can complete portions of the testing at their convenience.

 

 
Webster Hall, Suite 300, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 • Toll Free 1-866-647-3436 • Phone 412-246-5485 • Fax 412-246-5470

Inquiries: autismrecruiter@upmc.edu • Technical Support: dandarja@upmc.edu • www.wpic.pitt.edu
© 2006 CeFAR at the University of Pittsburgh • Site last updated November, 2008