Solomon Lab | UC Davis MIND Institute

Autism can look very different in different people, so the APP aims to identify groups of children with common traits. We are continuing to follow participants from early childhood to adolescence and eventually to emerging adulthood to look at brain development over time, how learning and memory and cognitive control influence behavior; how puberty may affect the brain and behavior, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Eventually, we hope this information will help us in finding the best supports or therapies to meet an individual's unique needs. For more information visit the Autism Phenome Project web page. The Solomon Lab has had several large National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded studies that have focused on learning, memory, and cognitive control in middle childhood and the emergence of depression in adolescence. 

We conducted a pilot study funded by the employment grant program of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) in collaboration with state employment providers who assist and support autistic adults and adults with intellectual disabilities. The study focused on implementing the Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) model in employment services for autistic adults and adults with mild intellectual disabilities. The IPS model, is a highly evidence-based practice that has been extensively researched and validated in over 28 studies involving individuals with mental health conditions.

During the pilot study, we worked closely with employment providers to help them implement the IPS model in real-world settings. We provided training in evidence-based strategies and techniques to help autistic adults secure jobs that aligned with their interests and abilities. Additionally, we emphasized the importance of individualized support to promote workplace success and long-term employment retention. Building on the findings from this pilot study, we will begin a randomized controlled trial (RCT), funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health, of the IPS model in Spring 2025 to further evaluate its effectiveness for autistic adults.

We hope this project increases access to high-quality employment services that promote competitive integrated employment opportunities. This means jobs in typical community settings where people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled co-workers, earning at least minimum wage, with the same benefits, duties, and expectations as other employees without disabilities in similar roles.

Through the Cognitive Control in Autism (CoCoA) study, we wanted to gain a better understanding of cognitive functioning from adolescence to young adulthood and learn more about brain functioning and behavior in autistic individuals when they think and learn. This is important because there is a relationship between cognitive functioning and academic and social outcomes for autistic individuals. This 5-year longitudinal study investigated development in autistic individuals without intellectual disabilities and non-autistic individuals, in order to understand how brain functioning and behavior develops. The goal of the study was to help autistic individuals to live their best lives. This study is now closed for enrollment

The STAAR clinical trial examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication interventions for reducing anxiety in autistic children. Many autistic youth experience anxiety, so through this study we hoped to learn more about children’s experiences with anxiety and explore ways to address anxiety within this community. In this 5-year clinical trial, we compared the BIACA. CBT program and the antidepressant medication Sertraline. Using a variety of anxiety assessments, we learned how anxiety affected different parts of children’s lives and tracked their anxiety levels throughout their 6-month participation in the study and follow up visit. We hope our findings can help guide future interventions for autistic children who are struggling with anxiety.

Marjorie Solomon began ACCESS to empower neurodiverse adults, specifically autistic individuals. This 20-week program focuses on enhancing life coping skills, planning abilities, and social skills, enabling participants to access various opportunities in social, work/educational, and community settings. As part of the ACCESS program, each participant selects a “social partner,” which can be a parent, close family member, peer, or support worker familiar with their daily life and long-term goals. Social partners attend a weekly support group that focuses on strategies to help neurodiverse adults apply their acquired skills in real-world settings. For more information about the program visit here. 

Since authoring, validating, and beginning the group during her Post Doctoral training at the MIND Institute, Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D., has conducted and supervised research related to the MIND Institute’s Social Skills Training Program. The Social Skills program works with children aged 4-18 with social challenges. In the 10-week program, the group discusses topics such as recognizing emotions, understanding nonverbal cues, conversations, friendship skills, and more. Parents attend a weekly parent education and support group. The social skills program and her lab have received a generous donation from Joyce Raley Teel and Jim Teel for the Thomas P. Raley Foundation. For more information about the program and how to enroll visit here.