What's Involved? With Autism Without Autism Trip to Pittsburgh About Pittsburgh

Help Make a Better Tomorrow


Participate in a Research Study on Autism

 

The University of Pittsburgh, through funding by the National Institute of Health (NIH), is conducting a research study to help unravel the mysteries of autism. Research sites are located throughout the country and each site is working on different pieces of the puzzle. Dr. Nancy Minshew and other investigators in Pittsburgh are looking for verbal individuals with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome (Without Autism — please click on “Without Autism”) who meet any of the categories below:

  • Are between the ages 5 - 45 with an IQ between 80 - 120.

  • Infants between 6 - 16 months, there is another 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.

  • Newly Diagnosed 24 to 36 month old children with autism and non verbal.

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

  • Diagnostic assessments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Autism Diagnostic Interview)

  • Family history interview

  • Cognitive and neuropsychological tests

  • Computer tests

  • Eye movement studies

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans

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

If You are Interested, Please Contact Us at

 

Email: autismrecruiter@upmc.edu

Telephone: 412-246-5485

Toll Free: 1-866-647-3436

 

Participants will be compensated for the studies that they are eligible for and complete. If eligible for the entire study, all 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). Participants living in the Pittsburgh area can complete portions of the testing at their convenience.