Research

These research opportunities are listed as a courtesy to UF CARD constituents. Specific questions should be directed to the contact person listed for each study. Content is updated at least twice a year.

Research opportunity

Aging Well in ASD

The Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development lab seeks autistic adults and control individuals ages 30-75 for participation in a research study focused on healthy aging.

elderly person's hand and puzzle pieces

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Brief Behavior Consultation

The UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is conducting research on aiding families with early learners who are at-risk or recently diagnosed with ASD (ages 1-4).

Woman and child sitting on floor playing with blocks

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Cooperation with Medical Procedures

This study is designed to evaluate the most effective ways to increase cooperation with medical procedures such as immunization shots or blood draws in individuals with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

arm of person getting their blood drawn

Research Opportunity

Barriers to Medical and Dental Care

Researchers at the University of Florida Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment are seeking participants for a survey to identify possible barriers to medical and dental care for children with autism. The survey is completely anonymous and should only take 5-10 minutes. Approved by UF HRPP ID: 17034 Questions? Contact LLLOVERAS@ufl.edu

Dr listening to child's heart with a stethoscope

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

SPARK for Autism

Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK) Online research partnership involving individuals with autism & their families, to speed up research & advance our understanding of autism. SPARK is sponsored by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI).

Young children; one is holding cardboard box that says SPARK on it

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Equitable Learning Technology Lab at the University of Florida

ELTL believes that the scientific enquiry of equitable learning technologies must be informed through collaboration, community-based engagement and cross-disciplinary working while placing people with neurodiversity at the forefront of our endeavors. This will help to ensure the most pressing problems facing neurodiverse communities are tackled within a multi-disciplinary environment while creating an exceptional academic environment for our research and teaching communities.

Equitable Learning Technology Lab Logo

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

MOVEMENT AND AUTISM

We are currently seeking autistic individuals and control participants between ages 18 and 25 years to participate in a research study on sensorimotor skill and brain function.

McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida

Cooperation with Medical Procedures

The Behavior Analysis Research Clinic is currently conducting a study designed to evaluate the most effective ways to increase cooperation with medical procedures such as immunization shots or blood draws in individuals with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

  • Must have a history of restraint, problem behavior, or noncompliance in the context of medical procedures.
  • Must be able to attend weekly or biweekly appointments at UF CAN. 

Participants will not receive compensation.

For more information contact:
lloveras@ufl.edu
Lindsey Lloveras
Behavior Analysis Research Clinic
University of Florida

Study ID: IRB202102414


Brief Behavior Consultation

Brief Behavior Consultational: A Research Study on Consultative Methods
Are you a caregiver seeking support and services for your young child?

The UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment is conducting research on aiding families with early learners who are at-risk or recently diagnosed with ASD (ages 1-4). We are looking to recruit families from all over Florida for 6 weeks of consultative services focused on caregivers’ well-being and support.

What do brief behavioral consultative services include?

  • Six, one-hour appointments via telehealth (no proximity to Gainesville required)
  • Guidance from board certified behavior analysts and UF Health mental health and wellness.
  • Essential tools for caregivers to use, with consideration for their mental health and wellness.
  • Assessment and lessons in early learner skills such as communication and social skills.
  • Guidance on what to expect from future service providers from therapists with years of experience working with families with Autism.

Interested? Please contact one of the principal investigators from the list below:
J. Stephanie Gonzalez, M.A.,BCBA – jeanne.gonzalez@ufl.edu
LeAnna Kehl, M.S. – lkehl@ufl.edu
Mary Elizabeth Moody, M.Ed. – memoody23@ufl.edu

Study ID:IRB202202055 Date Approved: 2/22/2023


Movement and Autism

Study investigating Parkinson-like symptoms in autism
We are looking for young adults with and without autism to examine Parkinson-like symptoms in autism. Many people with autism experience motor impairments that impact their everyday life. This research seeks to identify Parkinson-like characteristics so that in the future we can implement existing therapeutic strategies for young adults with autism.

Participants will be asked to participate in 1-2 testing sessions lasting a total of 5-7 hours involving:

  • Cognitive assessments
  • Motor testing
  • MRI scan of brain

Participants will receive:

  • Up to $100
  • Copy of MRI scan
  • Snacks and refreshments

Location

  • One to two visits on UF campus at McKnight Brain Institute and Florida Gym

Are you eligible?

  • 18-25 years old
  • No metal implants that could interfere with safety in MRI
  • No history of claustrophobia
  • English as primary language
  • Meet ADOS criteria for autism. Or for controls: do not meet ADOS criteria for autism.

If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, call or email a member of the study team:

Study coordinator:
Sydney Nelson
dnnl@peds.ufl.edu
352-273-5295
Dr. Brandon Zielinski, MD, PhD (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Zheng Wang, PhD (CoPI)
Developmental Network Neurobiology Lab (DNNL) and Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development Lab (NBDL)

Study ID:IRB202301571 Date Approved: 1/16/2024