Current Research Studies
The Autism Intervention Research Network on Behavioral Health (AIR-B) is a network of researchers seeking to advance evidence-based behavioral treatments for children with autism, particularly those in underserved and minority communities. We currently have two projects looking at ways to help parents whose children have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are living in low-resource communities (1) learn more about autism and the service system; and (2) participate more successfully in their children’s school transitions.
BRIDGE: Project ImPACT for Toddlers
The BRIDGE Collaborative is a group of caregivers, therapists, researchers, and funding agency representatives interested in improving community intervention for young children with social communication difficulties. We are currently conducting a research study on the Project ImPACT for Toddlers intervention.
Description: Project ImPACT (Improving Parents As Communication Teachers) for Toddlers is a naturalistic approach designed to coach parents and caregivers of 12-36 month olds to support their child’s development. It uses a combination of behavioral and developmental strategies to help parents increase their child’s social-communication and play skills in daily activities. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Project ImPACT for Toddlers and to provide training in Project ImPACT to early intervention providers in the community.
Currently Enrolling: We are now enrolling early intervention agencies and providers in the Sacramento area. Participating therapists will receive free training and coaching in Project ImPACT for Toddlers and will be able to provide this service after the research study is complete.
Contact: hs-bridgestudy@ucdavis.edu
Agency Recruitment Flyer (PDF) »
Therapist Recruitment Flyer (PDF) »
DESCRIPTION
This study aims to explore how screening and surveillance helps children with autism in the long run. Results from this study will empower providers with evidence-based procedures to detect autism, optimize care for patients, and improve long-term outcomes.
CURENTLY ENROLLING
We are now enrolling primary care providers that care for toddlers within a 30-minute drive of UC Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, CA, Drexel University/30th Street Station Philadelphia, and University of Connecticut (Storrs). This study is part of Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) Network, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
CONTACT: Deeniece Hatten, hs-dots@ucdavis.edu or 916-703-0468
Recruitment Flyer »
BACKGROUND
Schools and mental health programs are faced with the challenge of serving growing numbers of children with autism. With the annual cost of autism in the U.S. estimated to be $236 billion, developing and testing effective ways to scale up use of evidence-based treatments for autism is critical.
PURPOSE
To improve provider training in evidence based treatments. Two coordinated studies will test ways to support providers in their learning and delivery of autism treatments. Study #1 will test the TEAMS model with An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD (AIM HI) in publicly-funded outpatient and school-based mental health services. Study #2 will test TEAMS with Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (CPRT) in classrooms. The TEAMS model includes – TEAMS Leadership Institute (TLI) and TEAMS Individualized Provider Strategy for training (TIPS). Both studies will be conducted in San Diego, Sacramento, and Los Angeles counties.
SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS
Mental health programs and school districts are invited to participate in this voluntary study and will be randomized to receive different components of TEAMS. Leaders and Providers (mental health therapists or teachers) from participating districts/programs can participate; all participating providers will receive free training and coaching/consultation in AIM HI or CPRT over 6-10 months.
CONTACT: teams-study@ucsd.edu
The goal of the TEDI study is to develop a way to assess infants’ development over telehealth, so that families do not always need to travel to a clinic to get a developmental evaluation. We would like to follow babies over time to see how they develop, and to get ongoing feedback from families about their experience so that we can make sure the method we develop will work for as many families as possible.
All study activities will occur in your home, no travel to the MIND Institute is required Currently enrolling families:
- With Infants between the ages of 6-12 months, whose parents are concerned about their social interaction or communication
With access to internet-enabled video-device (smartphone, tablet, computer) - Willing and able to complete online questionnaires and complete a play-based assessment with their infant while coached over telehealth 5 times over the course of one year
- Who primarily speak English in the home
- Families will receive written reports from standardized questionnaire measures
Contact: hs-tedistudy@ucdavis.edu
Other Opportunities
Throughout the year, the Collaborative START Lab occasionally has opportunities for local families (generally with children under the age of 5) to participate in program activities including staff, student, and community trainings and workshops. Please contact us if you would like information about upcoming events or would like to be placed on a list of interested families.
Contact: Sarah Dufek at 916-703-0239 or sadufek@ucdavis.edu.