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UF Health University of Florida
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities University of Florida
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Resources Overview

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

Pain Responsivity and Sensitivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (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.

Eligible individuals will be asked to complete the following tasks:

  • Diagnostic screening and evaluation (autistic adults only)
  • Thermal stimulation tasks
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording of the brain
  • Pain and sensory questionnaires

Locations:
Tests are conducted at

  • UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (autistic adults only)
  • Florida Gymnasium at the University of Florida main campus

Are you eligible?

  • Between the ages of 30 to 75 years
  • Received a diagnosis of ASD
  • Meet our requirement as a control participant who never received a diagnosis of ASD

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact the study team.

Costs covered by this study include EEG, travel, and stipend
*This is a pilot study*

For more information contact:
NBD-LAB@UFL.EDU
352-294-5309
Zheng Wang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development lab (NBD lab)
University of Florida

Study ID:IRB202200413 Date Approved: 7/27/2022

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 noncomplicane 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

Barriers to ASD Genetic Survey

Researchers from the UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) would like to know your thoughts on ASD genetic testing. 
Survey for patients, family, or caregiver of individuals with ASD and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Survey for providers involved in the care of individuals with ASD and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Questions about this study? Please email Andryella Maxie Ibarra at andryellaibarra@ufl.edu.

IRB Study ID: IRB202200715 Date Approved: 06/11/2022

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