Autism research studies | UC Davis MIND Institute

The goal of our study is to identify and describe different types of autism. One group we are focusing on is children with autism and intellectual disability. We want to understand behavior and brain development in children with and without autism and intellectual disability.

• Children between the ages of 9-11 years old who:
  • Autistic with intellectual disability
  • Autistic without intellectual disability
  • Non-autistic
  • Living in a household where English is the primary language

Launched in 2003, the CHARGE Study was the first comprehensive study of environmental causes and risk factors for autism and developmental delays. The CHARGE Study aims to investigate the role of genetics and the environment on the development of children.

• In-person visit required, can complete some items over the phone
• 2-5 years old (participants must be enrolled by 5 years, 1 month)
• Autism diagnosis, developmental delay or typical development

Autism can look different in girls compared to boys. The purpose of this research is to better understand how autism differs between boys and girls.

• 2-6 years old
• Autism or typical development

In this study, we will meet over telehealth with caregivers and babies over time to see how they develop. We can also help identify if additional supports may be helpful. We will get information about how to make telehealth easier for families. This study will take place completely online.

• Babies between 6 and 12 months old who:
  • May be showing differences in their social interactions or their communication, language, or play skills.
  • Can sit with help and hold toys.
  • Non-autistic
  • Caregivers may or may not have concerns about development.
  • Infants do not need to have an autism diagnosis.

The main purpose of this study is to test an assessment tool called the National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. We hope that using this assessment tool will help us find out how well a medication called Quillivant Extended Release is working to improve ADHD and Intellectual Disability conditions.

• 6-17 years old
• Fragile X Syndrome, Down syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Autism, 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disability