A collection of resources and information on Autism related research.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) was created in December 2001–the product of the shared vision and unique life experiences of OAR’s seven founders. Led by these parents and grandparents of children and adults on the autism spectrum, OAR set out to use applied science to answer questions that parents, families, individuals with autism, teachers and caregivers confront daily. No other autism organization has this singular focus.
Interactive Autism Network (IAN)
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is an innovative online project bringing together tens of thousands of people nationwide affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and hundreds of researchers in a search for answers. Individuals with an ASD and their families can share information in a secure setting to become part of the largest online autism research efforts in the United States. The data collected by IAN both facilitates scientific research and empowers autism community leaders to advocate for improved services and resources. In addition, anyone impacted by an ASD can become part of IAN’s online community to stay informed about autism research and make their voices heard.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Outcome Study & Training Project
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Outcome Study and Training Project is a collaborative project between Portland State University and the Oregon Department of Education. This website includes the outcomes of the two cohorts studied in 1998 and 2001.
2009 IACC Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and Office of Autism Research Coordination are pleased to announce that the 2009 IACC Summary of Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research was released and posted to the IACC website today in conjunction with the United Nations designated “World Autism Awareness Day” and the Department of Health and Human Services celebration of “National Autism Awareness Month.” The 2009 IACC Summary of Advances is a collection of brief summaries of the twenty research articles that the IACC felt made the most significant contributions to autism biomedical and services research in 2009.Please visit the pages below for more information.
Early Autism Research and Learning in Young children (EARLY)
The Mission of Early Autism Research and Learning in Young children (EARLY) is to improve the quality of life for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. The institute is a new collaboration between the centers and institutes of the UCEDD. The primary goals of the institute are to provide evidence based training, service, and research for students, families and the larger community.
Effects of Weighted Vests on the Engagement of Children With Developmental Delays and Autism
The use of weighted vests for children with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities is a common practice as part of sensory integration therapy programs. The purpose of the current investigation was to extend the research on the use of weighted vests for children with autism and developmental delays in a methodologically rigorous study. The study was conducted using an alternating treatment design. This allowed the comparison of three different conditions: weighted vest, vest with no weight (which served as a placebo), and no vest (which served as a baseline). The results showed no differentiation in engagement between conditions for any of the participants. Implications for practice and future research are provided.
Brief Report: Effects of Pressure Vest Usage on Engagement and Problem Behaviors of a Young Child with Developmental Delays
Brian Reichow, Erin E. Barton, Leslie Good, Mark Wolery
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of wearing a pressure vest for a young boy with developmental delays. An A-B-A withdrawal design was used to examine the relation between wearing the pressure vest and child behaviors during a preschool art activity. Although the data showed moderate variability, no systematic differences were found in child engagement when the vest was worn and when the vest was not worn and problem behavior increased when the vest was being worn. These results are discussed in the context of the study limitations. Implications for future research are provided.
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Association for Science in Autism Treatment mission is to educate parents, professionals, and consumers by disseminating accurate, scientifically-sound information about autism and its treatment and by combating inaccurate or unsubstantiated information. In doing so, we promote the use of effective, science-based treatments for all people with autism, regardless of age, severity of condition, income or place of residence.
