Studies Currently Recruiting
- Assistive Technology Devices and Services
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cochlear Implants
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Fragile X syndrome
- Infant Development
- International Adoption
- Williams Syndrome
- Wisconsin Twin Project (WTP)
Assistive Technology Devices and Services
- Quality Assistive Technology Services Project:
A study lead by Dr. Ruth Benedict is seeking CAREGIVERS of children or youth with special needs who use assistive technology devices and services to participate in focus groups. The purpose of the study is to learn how well the AT service delivery system is working. Caregivers who agree to participate in this study will be asked to attend one focus group discussion with other caregivers lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The sessions will be held evenings or weekends in Madison, WI. Free parking and $30 monetary compensation for your time will be provided.
Contact: Anne Baumgardner, Project Assistant, at (608) 262-7878 or abaumgardner@wisc.edu Dr. Ruth Benedict, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program at (608) 262-7878
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Download a handout of all the current autism studies here.
- Autism fMRI Study Currently Recruiting Participants
Waisman Center Investigator Richard Davidson, Ph.D. and colleagues are studying brain structure and function in individuals with autism. Participation involves one session at the Waisman Center that lasts no more than 2 hours, during which the individual completes various cognitive activities while a fMRI is used to record brain activity. Two groups of participants are needed: individuals who are typically developing, ages 10-17; and individuals with autism, ages 10-35. The study is best suited for participants who can communicate well and complete tasks in a new situation. Braces or permanent retainers make an individual ineligible for this study.
Contact: Kim Dalton at (608) 263-8913 or dalton@psyphw.psych.wisc.edu
More detailed information about the study can be found at:
http://tezpur.keck.waisman.wisc.edu/
- Early Autism and Communication Research
Clinic/Toddler Talk Project
The Early Autism and Communication Research Clinic (EACRC) provides developmental, communication, and diagnostic evaluation services to children between that ages of 2 and 3 years who have been diagnosed or are suspected to be on the autism spectrum, and who participate in our research project, the Toddler Talk Project. The Toddler Talk Project is a federally-funded longitudinal study of early communication skills in children on the autism spectrum. Evaluations are conducted by specialists in autism and speech-language disorders who will provide families with information on diagnosis (when appropriate) and speech and language development. Families work closely with the psychologist and speech-language pathologist during the evaluation and families and staff meet together after the evaluation to review findings. Families are given information on community resources that may be available to them to help access needed services for their child. Appointments are available during clinic hours, and we offer additional hours on an individual basis to accommodate families’ schedules. Families who participate in the Toddler Talk Project receive the developmental evaluation free of charge.
Contact: (608) 263-3123 or EACRC@waisman.wisc.edu.
- Study of Latino families of children with autism
To date, very few research projects have explored the experiences of Latino children with autism and their families. We are excited to announce a new interview-based study for Latino parents who have children with an autism spectrum diagnosis between 3 and 21 years old. Interviews will be conducted in the language of preference (Spanish or English). The study aims to understand the strengths and challenges these families face in caring for a child with autism. The study will also look at how Latino children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and how families learn about and receive services.
Contact: Sandy Magaña at (608) 263-0270 or magana@waisman.wisc.edu
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Cerebral Palsy and Speech
A research project lead by Katherine Hustad, Ph.D. is investigating the ways that cerebral palsy affects speech production and understandability. The researchers are also evaluating how well an intervention strategy called alphabet supplementation works to improve the understandability of speech. The study is seeking participants with cerebral palsy who are 14 years old or older, have functional reading abilities, are able to talk (even if speech is severely impaired), and are able to point to or touch letters on a communication board (using hands, fingers, or a pointer). Participation takes approximately 4 hours and includes recording speech and learning the alphabet supplementation strategy. Sessions require one visit to the Waisman Center, scheduled at your convenience. Hotel costs may be reimbursed for participants who must travel from outside the Madison area. Participants will be paid $100 upon completion of the study.
Contact: Katherine Hustad: 608-265-9977 or hustad@waisman.wisc.edu
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Speech development in Young Children with CP
Under the direction of Katherine Hustad, Ph.D., a research project is investigating how speech develops and changes over time in children with cerebral palsy and is also seeking to determine if there are early signs that predict which children will become functional talkers and which children will benefit from augmentative and alternative communication systems and strategies. The study is seeking participants with cerebral palsy who are between 18 and 48 months old at the time of enrollment in the study and have normal hearing. Participation involves fun games and activities specially designed for each child to assess his or her abilities in the areas of speech production and oral motor skills, language skills, and non-language communication skills. Sessions last between 1 and 2 hours and participants will come to the Waisman Center for 2 sessions per year, for the next 4 years. Following each session, child participants will receive a small gift and the family will be paid $50. Families who live outside of the Madison area will be reimbursed for travel expenses including meals, hotel costs, and mileage for each session. The results of this study will provide valuable insight as to how to make speech and language therapy for children with cerebral palsy more effective, and how to improve communication abilities and outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Contact: Katherine Hustad (608) 265-9977 or hustad@waisman.wisc.edu
Or visit www.waisman.wisc.edu/cpkids/ to request more information on-line or to view a brochure about the study.
- Toddler Study
Spatial hearing, or sound localization, refers to our ability to determine where sounds originate in our environment. In the Binaural Hearing and Speech Lab (PI: Ruth Litovsky), we are studying the development of spatial hearing in young children who use cochlear implants. We are currently recruiting children under the age of 3 years who use unilateral or bilateral cochlear implants to participate in our studies. Children should have a history of severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss bilaterally at birth or within the first few months of life, be native English speakers, and have at ;least 6 months of experience with their device.
To determine if your child is eligible for this study, or if you would like more information, please contact Tina Grieco-Calub at grieco@waisman.wisc.edu or by calling (608) 263-5807.
- Project on Speech Intelligibility in Children/Adolescents
with Down syndrome
- Does your child have speech difficulties?
- Do some people have trouble understanding your child?
- Does your child have a history of speech challenges? If you answered YES to any of these questions we would be interested in speaking with you.
We recently received funding from the National nstitute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research to investigate the very important issue of speech intelligibility in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.
We are now enrolling children and adolescents with Down syndrome between approximately 9 - 17 years of age. The one-time session will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Waisman Center. Your child will participate in a variety of speech activities which take approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete. You will be compensated for your time and will also receive a summary of your child’s performance. Parking is free and readily available.
If you are interested in participating and/or would simply like additional information about the project, please:
Contact us at: (608)263-2218
speechandchewing@waisman.wisc.edu
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Medication Study for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorder (FASD) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
Researchers in the departments of family medicine, genetics, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences are collaborating to investigate the effectiveness of medication in improving the behavior of children with FASD and ADHD. The ultimate goal of the study is to identify treatments that increase the ability of children with FASD to learn and succeed as independent adults. The FASD diagnoses include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FAE), alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD, and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND).
A child may be eligible for the study if a parent or teacher has concerns about a child’s attention and/or hyperactivity as well as concerns about whether a child was affected by alcohol during the mother’s pregnancy. Eligible participants should be between 6 and 17 years old and enrolled in school or daycare for at least 4 hours per day. The total study time is 8 weeks with the medication portion lasting 3 weeks. The study requires about 6 visits to the Waisman Center. Participating families will be paid $300 plus mileage for completing the study.
Contact: Patti Cameron at (608) 262-6590 or via email at patricia.cameron@fammed.wisc.edu
Fragile X syndrome
Download a copy of all the current fragile X studies here.
- Fragile X & Autism: Brain Structure and Function
Lead by Richard Davidson, Ph.D., this study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques to monitor which areas of the brain are working when individuals look at pictures of faces, further investigating the relationship between fragile X and autism. Eye movements will be recorded at the same time, to determine if individuals with fragile X or autism scan or focus on different areas of the faces differently than non-diagnosed individuals. Additionally, sensors that are taped to the middle and index fingers will provide a measure of excitement. The study is seeking participants who are between the ages of 13-35 years and who have fragile X syndrome. The entire session lasts approximately 1 and ? hours. Participants receive pictures of their brain and $50 for completing the session, and can earn an additional $30 for completing an optional scan.
Contact: Kim Dalton, Ph.D. (608) 263-8913 or kmdalton@wisc.edu
- Mothers of Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: A Study of Psychological Well-Being
Len Abbeduto, Ph.D., and his research team are currently seeking participants for a study designed to investigate the psychological well-being of women who have a son or daughter with fragile X syndrome. Participants must be the biological mother of an affected son or daughter who is currently between the ages of 11 and 21 years. Participation will involve visiting the Waisman Center, and the cost of eligible travel expenses (including hotel and airfare) will be covered by the project.
Contact: Len Abbeduto at (608) 263-1737 or abbeduto@waisman.wisc.edu
or Jean Maddocks at (608) 263-3619 or maddocks@waisman.wisc.edu
- Language Learning in Boys with Fragile X Syndrome and/or Autism
Leonard Abbeduto, Ph.D., is investigating the developmental course of language learning in boys, who are 4- to 10-years old, English-speaking, and have fragile X syndrome. Participation involves completion of two trips, 1.5 years apart to the testing site, blood draw for genetic analysis, and parent questionnaires and activities.
Contact: Len Abbeduto, Ph.D., (608) 263-1737 or abbeduto@waisman.wisc.edu
- Fragile X and Communications
Led by Lyn Turkstra, Ph.D., and Leonard Abbeduto, Ph.D., this study is currently seeking adolescents, 13- to 21-year olds, to learn more about social skills and social life in adolescent girls with fragile X syndrome. We have developed a video-based test that focuses on adolescent social life. We would like to compare performance on this test with other abilities, such as memory, and also with your perceptions about your child’s social life.
Contact: Lyn Turkstra, Ph.D. (608) 263-6940 or lsturkstra@wisc.edu
- Infant Learning Lab
There are several projects examining the learning processes underlie that acquisition of words, one's native language, and music. Infants ages 6 to 12 months and 27-32 months are needed.
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/infantlearning/infant_research.html
- Wisconsin International Adoption Project
Headed by Dr. Seth Pollak, Ph.D., the Wisconsin International Adoption Project (WIAP) is investigating the successes, challenges, and needs of children who spent some early part of their lives in institutional, orphanage, or foster care settings. The research conducted by WIAP will provide answers and aid to families, community agencies, adoption professionals, educators, and medical professionals to help children and families reach their full potential. The WIAP maintains a confidential registry of families who are interested in being contacted about research opportunities. When you register, we will send a questionnaire for you to complete about your child's developmental history and, although our researchers will contact you when a research opportunity arises, you are never obligated to participate.
Contact: For more information or to join the WIAP registry, contact the WIAP research coordinator via email at ChildEmotion@waisman.wisc.edu or by phone at (608) 262-5148.
Web: http://psych.wisc.edu/childemotion/
- Autism & William's syndrome: Brain Structure and Function Added 7/13/2004
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques, this study will monitor which areas of the brain are working when individuals look at pictures of faces. Eye movements will be recorded at the same time, to determine if individuals with William's syndrome or autism scan or focus on different areas of the faces differently than non-diagnosed individuals. The study is seeking participants who are between the ages of 5 to 35 years and who have either an autism spectrum diagnosis or William's syndrome. Participants will spend 35 to 45 minutes in the fMRI scanner and the entire session lasts approximately 2 hours. Participants receive pictures of their brain and $50 for completing the session, and can earn an additional $30 for completing an optional scan.
Contact: Kim Dalton, Ph.D. (608) 263-8913 kmdalton@facstaff.wisc.edu
Wisconsin Twin Project - WTP
About the Project:
Headed by Dr. Hill Goldsmith, the Wisconsin Twin Project (WTP) is investigating the behavioral adaptations and challenges, physical similarities and differences, vocabulary development, sensory experiences, and general social-emotional development of twins born in Wisconsin. Findings from this longitudinal study will improve understanding of individual differences within genetic and environmental influences as well as how child behaviors develop through the lifetime. WTP is assisted by the Waisman Research Participation Core (RCP) in maintaining a registry of families of twins. Families who did not receive the initial letter but have twins who were born in Wisconsin between 1989 and now, and are interested in the project may contact us. Once families agree to join the Twin Registry, they may be contacted in the future about participating in different portions of the Wisconsin Twin Project. Families who join the registry are never obligated to participate; they are free to decline participation at any time.
- A Study of Twins and the Autism Spectrum
Headed by Dr. Hill Goldsmith and Dr. Morton Gernsbacher, WTP and UW Research on Autism have developed a partnership to study twins and the autism spectrum. The study is seeking all sets of identical and fraternal twins in Wisconsin or neighboring states where one twin or both twins have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (including autism, PDD-NOS, and Asperger’s Syndrome). Participation involves a phone interview for which the family is paid $25. Families are then asked if they are interested in participating in a home visit, for which families are compensated $300. Agreeing to do the telephone interview does not oblige families to participate in the home visit.
Contact: Hill Goldsmith or one of his research staff at (608) 262-5574 or via e-mail, wisconsintwins@waisman.wisc.edu
or see their web site at http://www.gernsbacherlab.org