Information for Parent and Child Participants

We are recruiting! Please read the descriptions below to see how you can contribute to our research.

 

STUDY #1

Volunteers with an autism spectrum disorder are needed to participate in our research study investigating brain function during auditory processing.  Children will participate a 2½-3½ hour session that will include testing of their language, thinking, and social interaction skills, and measurement of their brain’s response to sounds using EEG. EEG is completely non-invasive and does not involve any form of radiation. 

We need children who have all of the following features:

• aged 6-11 years old
• diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Autism, PDD or Asperger Syndrome)
• could be described as “high-functioning” (e.g., have strengths in some areas of academics or thinking)
• able to speak in sentences of three words or more
• able to sit still for five minutes while watching a silent movie
• do not have a hearing impairment or a neurological disorder (such as seizures, cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus)

 If interested, or for further information, please contact: Jessi Boehm, Research Coordinator at jboehm4@uwo.ca or 519-611-2111 x88006.

 What to expect during your visit:

• You and your child will visit Western University for 2½ -3½ hours for this study.
• In the first part of the session (1-1½ hours), your child will complete tests of thinking and language if these tests have not been recently administered. During this time, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your child’s past and present socialization, communication, and behaviour.
• In the second part of the session (1½-2 hours), your child will be tested using electro-encephalography (EEG) while sitting in a comfortable chair in a sound-dampened room. EEG is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain made using a cap with wires that is placed on the head. This cap is dipped in a salt water solution before placing it on your child’s head. Your child will be instructed to keep still and listen to a series of sounds for 5 minutes at a time. A DVD movie will be projected on a computer screen for your child to watch (but not listen to) while the sounds are being presented. S/he will not be required to do anything but sit still and watch the movie.

We realize that visiting the lab can be a new experience for many children. The photo story below will help prepare your child for a visit to our lab. Please click to view story: GOING TO THE RESEARCH LABORATORY

 

STUDY #2

Children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those without disabilities are invited to participate in a study that aims to better understand the writing skills of students with ASD and what factors predict strengths and weaknesses in their writing. The study involves two to three 45 minutes sessions, each of which will take place at your home or at Western University. Across the sessions, your child will be asked to complete five thinking tests, complete one test of language ability, and write three short compositions. Also, the parent or legal guardian will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.

 We are seeking 8- to 17-year olds who:

 We are also seeking 8- to 17-year olds who:

1. have no history of or current problems with development, learning or behaviour
2. can write a minimum of 5 sentences
3. speak English as their primary language

 For more information, please contact: Heather Brown, M.Ed, Ph.D Candidate at hlade@uwo.ca or 519-661-2111 Ext. 88006

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