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.
We love sharing useful and appropriate content with our constituents, but we must comply with state and federal digital accessibility laws. Please see our guidelines and requirements for requests to post research on our website and social media.
Current Research Studies
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. Study ID: IRB201801378
EMAIL: nbd-lab@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 294-5309
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Assessing Praise Versus Preferred Conversation Topics as Rewards for On Task Behavior
Researchers from the University of Florida from the Behavior Analysis Ph. D program are conducting a study to evaluate whether children with ASD or related disorders prefer to receive praise or hear about their preferred conversation topics as a reward for staying on task.
Study ID: IRB202400320
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Autism Motor Function Study
Are you a young adult between the ages of 18-25 with or without Autism and are interested in helping out with an ASD motor study? If so, contact dnnl@peds.ufl.edu for more information. Compensation will be provided. Principal investigator: Dr. Brandon Zielinski, UF Dept. of Pediatric Neurology.
Study ID: IRB202301571
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.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Evaluating Accessible Services for Individuals with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions
The University of Florida Department of Psychiatry is conducting a research study that will allow you to share your experience accessing services in Alachua County.
Study ID: IRB202500706
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Pain Responsivity and Sensitivity in ASD
The Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development lab (NBD lab) is seeking autistic adults and controls between ages 30 to 75 years for a non-treatment research study on pain responsivity and sensitivity in ASD.
Study ID: IRB202200413
EMAIL: nbd-lab@ufl.edu
PHONE: (352) 294-5309
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).
WCG IRB Protocol #20151664
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
Toward Healthy Aging in Adults with Autism
We are now recruiting autistic and non-autistic adults, age 20+ to participate in our research study on aging in autism. The Toward Healthy Aging in Autism study will investigate differences in health, aging and well-being during adulthood in autistic and neurotypical adults. Aging – growing older – is something we all do. It is important to understand what makes staying healthy when growing older possible for some adults and difficult for other adults. The current study will track physical and mental health, functioning, cognitive ability, and brain structure/function of participants over time. We hope that understanding differences in aging will help improve long-term health and well-being of autistic and other adults. If you have questions, or would like to participate, please contact us at dnnl@peds.ufl.edu or 352-273-5295.
Study ID: CED000000704
Assessing Praise Versus Preferred Conversation Topics as Rewards for On Task Behavior
Does your child prefer to receive praise or talk about preferred conversation topics for staying on task?
Is your child eligible?
- Has an ASD diagnosis or related disorder
- Ages 3-19
- Can answer simple questions about what they like
- Registered with CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities)
Location & Time
- UF CARD (4101 NW 89 Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606)
- 30-minute sessions 1-2 times a week
- 1-2 months duration
If you would like to register or learn more information contact a member
of the study team:
Laura DeZayas, M.S., BCBA
Principal Investigator
Email: DEZAYASL@UFL.EDU
Study ID: IRB202400320 Date Approved: 9/6/2024
Evaluating Accessible Services for Individuals with Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions
The University of Florida Department of Psychiatry is conducting a research study that will allow you to share your experience accessing services in Alachua County.
Purpose:
Assess individuals’ experiences accessing local services in Alachua County, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental needs
Eligibility:
- You are an adult between 18 and 80 years of age
- You have received or attempted to receive services from the following organizations:
- Arc of Alachua County
- Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County
- ABA Results
- BASS ABA Therapy
- Balance 180
- Florida Autism Center
- Life Transition Skills
- Center for Independent Living
- CDS Family Behavioral Services
- UF Reading Program
Study:
- Reach out to any of the research team members whose contact information is provided below and a member of the research team will provide you with a link to fill out the survey through text message or email
- Access the survey
- Complete a short survey that should take around 5-20 minutes online (mobile-friendly)
Risks/Compensation:
- There are minimal risks to participation in this study, including risks of data breach and participant distress
- There is no compensation for participation in this study
Rights:
- Completely voluntary and confidential participation
- Decision to participate will not affect your current services or prevent access to services in the future
- You may stop the survey or request researchers remove your data from the research at any time without penalty
Contact:
If you are interested in participating or have questions about the study, please reach out to a member of the research team
- Dr. Takahiro Soda
(352)-294-4946
takahirosoda@ufl.edu - Dr. Ann-Marie Orlando
(352) 265-2239
aorlando@ufl.edu - Jack Lawhorne
(386)-478-6636
jacklawhorne@ufl.edu
Survey:
Access the informed consent form and the online survey
This survey can be completed at any time at your convenience.
Study ID: 202500706
Reviewed 2/12/2026