The UWAC research program, supported by funding from private foundations and the National Institutes of Health, collaborates with families and individuals to conduct research with infants, toddlers, preschool and school-aged children, adolescents, and adults with autism. Located on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, the center is recognized as an Autism Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health. The UW Autism Center research program is engaged in several national and international collaborations, as well as independent projects, researching autism.
Now Recruiting! The Infant Brain Imaging Study – Early Prediction is enrolling infants ages 0-6 months who have an older sibling with or without autism. The study uses brain imaging to help detect infants who are likely to go on to develop autism. Infants complete developmental testing and MRI scans at 6, 12, and 24 months. This study builds on the findings of the previous IBIS study. To learn more, please contact our research coordinator at (206) 685-8404 or ibisstudy@uw.edu or see the press release here.
The IBIS Sleep Study studies sleep patterns in previous IBIS participants as they reach 24 months of age or school age (7-12 years). The Sleep Study involves home-based assessments of sleep and sleep habits. The association of sleep habits with behavioral and developmental characteristics and brain developmental will allow researchers to more fullyunderstand sleep and development. To learn more, please contact our research coordinator at (206) 221-8717 or ibisstudy@uw.edu.
The Collaboration for Down Syndrome Progress (CDP) Program is a research initiative focused on studying 6- and 12-month-old infants with and without Down syndrome. The program operates across multiple sites throughout North and South America, with the overarching aim of health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome. The primary objective of the CDP program is to deepen understanding of various developmental areas in Down syndrome including cognition, language, motor, social skills, and brain development, and co-occurring conditions. As part of the study, participants will undergo comprehensive assessments that evaluate behavioral development. In addition, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be utilized to examine features of brain development. To learn more, please contact our research coordinator at (206) 685-8404 or ibisstudy@uw.edu.
The IBIS Adolescent Study follows the original group of children who participated in the Infant Brain Imaging Study as they reach adolescence (13-16 years). The follow-up involves comprehensive assessments of behavioral, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes, as well as brain development through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This will allow, for the first time, researchers to look at developmental trajectories from infancy to adolescence to more fully understand brain-behavior relationships in children who do (and do not) have siblings with autism. This study is currently recruiting families who have previously participated in IBIS. To learn more, please contact our research coordinator at (206) 221-8717 or ibisstudy@uw.edu.
The Everyday EF study is inviting autistic children (ages 7-12) and their parents to participate in an executive functioning study! Researchers at the University of Washington Autism Center are partnering with autistic children and their parents to explore ways to support executive functioning. This program will consist of weekly sessions for a total of 12 weeks. Children will have opportunities to explore strategies that support their executive functioning in ways that fit their unique strengths, and parents will take part in weekly sessions exploring how to co-create supportive routines and environments alongside their child.
Families will have access to no-cost sessions, individualized feedback on assessments, and an honorarium of $150 in appreciation of your time and partnership in this study.
Please contact Giuliana Castelli at giulicas@uw.edu or (206) 221-2147 for more information.
The Haring Center research is driven by our mission to build inclusive communities that support the learning and developmental needs of children and families of all abilities and backgrounds. The transformational research conducted here informs policies and practices in inclusive education.
The On-Time Autism Intervention (OTAI) Project is a research-community partnership focused on engaging community partners, supporting community providers through collaboration and training, and is currently conducting pilot work in the community. Click here for more information.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the medical term for autism. Autism is a spectrum of disorders with different causes and pathways, so autistic children need personalized support to thrive. Scientists across Washington State do research on many fronts to better understand multiple factors related to autism and ways to improve quality of life for autistic people and their families.
RESEARCH ACROSS WASHINGTON
Seattle Children's Autism Center Clinical Research. Some studies collect information to help us learn about the causes and effects of autism. Others are called clinical trials. They test new treatments in people to see how well they work and make sure they are safe. We have many studies now in progress.