UMACC is conducting two intervention studies (Early Social Interaction Project and Early Steps Study) for young children with social-communication delays who are at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A third study looks at slightly older children with autism. Please read further for more detailed information regarding both of these projects.
The Early Social Interaction Study (16-20 months old)
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.
We are currently recruiting parents of children who are 16-20 months of age who live within a 1 hour drive from Ann Arbor. 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 Julie McCormick, ESI Project Manager, at 734-764-4048.
This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00010724).
The Early Steps Study (12-24 months old)
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.
We are currently seeking families with children who are 12-24 months old and 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.
The Early Steps Study is one of two early intervention research studies currently underway at UMACC. Although the recruitment ages for the two studies overlap, openings may not be available in both projects at the same time. However, if openings are available, qualifying families may participate in either project.
Contact:
Julie McCormick
mccormj@umich.edu
734-764-4048
This study has approval from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board (IRBMED HUM00016670).
Parent Mediated Joint Engagement Intervention for Young Children with Autism (2-5yrs)
HUM00027752
Researchers at the University of Michigan (Cathy Lord, PhD, PI) are working on a clinical evaluation of a parent mediated intervention for young children with autism.
What is the purpose of this study? We seek to provide diagnostic and treatment services and to advance understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in young children. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of two different caregiver treatments aimed at facilitating change in social and communication outcomes of young children with autism. Overall, our goal is to identify interventions involving parents that are effective in building social communication skills in toddlers with ASD.
Who can participate in this study? Children between 24 and 60 months of age, who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder based on a diagnostic evaluation, and their family may participate in this study. Families must live within one hour’s drive of UMACC.
What will be done in this study? This study will involve teaching parents how to support social communication in play and everyday activities with their child using one of two different parent interventions, one that involves a parent education group and the other that involves home-based intervention sessions. After an initial assessment, families will be assigned through randomization (like flipping a coin) to either the parent education group or the home-based intervention.
If you are interested in participating, contact project coordinator, Casey White, at:
Phone: (734) 615-1603
FAX: (734) 936-0068
Email: WhiteLC@umich.edu
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Any studies on Asperger person over age 40?
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