Research Participation Opportunities

Looking to help advance the future of autism research? Studies at the cutting edge of improving quality of life for autistic people are happening right now — and these studies would be nowhere without participants. That’s where you come in.

Here, you will find opportunities to get involved in research studies. These studies are located around the world, both remotely and in person, and seek participants across a range of ages and backgrounds. Browse through the opportunities to find the ones that are looking for someone like you or your child.

Research studies funded by OAR’s Applied Research Competition or Graduate Research Grant Competition will be denoted with this icon:

Please note that OAR staff is not directly involved with any of the studies; for any questions, please contact the researchers directly.

Are you a researcher seeking participants for your study? Click here to let us know.

Share an Opportunity

Share a Research Participation Opportunity

If you are seeking participants for a study, you are invited to submit the form below. Once your submission is received, OAR will get in touch with you about listing your study on this page as well as promoting your call for participants on OAR’s social media channels.

In order to be considered, your study must:

  • Focus on quality-of-life research for autistic people.
  • Be approved by the IRB (or an equivalent oversight body for studies conducted outside of the USA).

If you submit the form but do not see a confirmation message appear on screen, please contact us at the email address below to confirm receipt.

  • In order to list your research participation opportunity, you must provide an IRB approval number OR proof of IRB approval.
  • If you did not provide an IRB approval number above, please upload proof of IRB approval.
    Max. file size: 2 MB.
  • Example: Autistic children, ages 8-12, who use AAC.
  • For remote studies, please provide the survey link here.
  • Please note that your text may be edited by OAR staff for length or clarity.
  • This graphic will be posted on OAR's social media. Recommended dimensions: 1200 x 628 pixels.
    Max. file size: 2 MB.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

If you have any questions, please contact research@researchautism.org.

Skidmore College

Sexuality and Disability: A group sexual education program aimed at parents of adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Researchers

Kaleigh Howard, Rachel Mann-Rosan

Institution

Skidmore College

Who can participate

Parents of adults (age 18 up) with a developmental or intellectual disability

Location

Remote; see Description for the link to participate by survey.

Description

Studies have shown that many individuals with I/DD are not receiving comprehensive sex education and face a lack of knowledge regarding sexuality, biology, relationships, sexual health, etc. (DiGiulio, 2003). Despite this, some studies have shown that parents of those with I/DD acknowledge the importance of sex education and want to be the primary sex educators for their children (Stein et al., 2018). Other studies have also shown that many of these parents do not know precisely how or when to discuss sex education with their children and how to do it in a manner they understand (Ballan, 2001; Barnard-Brak et al., 2014; Isler et al., 2009). Based upon these findings, the current study proposes to complete a sexual education program aimed at the parents of adult individuals with I/DD.

Kaleigh Howard, a senior psychology major and Professor Rachel Mann-Rosan, Ph.D from Skidmore College will be providing a training program for parents and subsequently a study. If you choose to participate, you will be placed into either a workshop where you will attend three Zoom meetings over the course of four weeks, or given educational materials to read independently over the course of four weeks. All the material discussed will pertain to disability and sexuality. In particular, the focus will be on how to effectively teach your adult child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability about sex and sexuality. Every participant in either program will have to fill out three surveys in total. By participating, you will get to learn tools and tips for communicating to your adult child with an intellectual and/or developmental disability about sexuality and sex. After the final survey is completed, you will also get a $10 gift card for returning the survey. Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating.

Contact

Kaleigh Howard, khoward1@skidmore.edu 

Deadline

October 24, 2021

University of Edinburgh

Disordered eating behaviours and lifestyles in Autistic and non-Autistic adolescents and adults

Researcher

Hasan Huseyin Ates

Institution

University of Edinburgh

Who can participate

Individuals 16 years of age or older who have a good understanding of English; autism diagnosis not required

Location

Remote; see Description for the link to participate by survey.

Description

This study is investigating the relationship between autism and disordered eating, which may lead to prevention strategies for disordered eating behaviors and eating disorder conditions.

If you meet the criteria above, you are invited to participate in the study. To participate, please complete this anonymous online survey about your eating behaviours, levels of autistic traits, well-being, physical activity, and screen time level. The survey will take approximately 40-50 minutes to complete. If you do not feel comfortable answering any questions, you can skip them. You can leave the survey at any time. As a thank you for participating, you will be able to enter a prize drawing to win a £50 Amazon e-voucher.

Contact

Hasan Huseyin Ates, Hasan.Ates@ed.ac.uk

Deadline

October 31, 2021

NLCDD

Investigating the Impact of Covid-19 on Future Financial Planning for People with Disabilities

Researchers

Corina Gilden and Caitlin Bailey

Institution

The National Leadership Consortium in Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD)

Who can participate

Adults with disabilities (over 18 years old), family members of people with disabilities, guardians of people with disabilities

Location

Remote; see Description for the link to sign up for an interview.

Description

The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities is studying the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on future financial planning for people with disabilities and are interested in speaking with people with disabilities and/or their family members. We are hoping to conduct interviews during the next few weeks. During this interview, you will be asked to respond to some open-ended questions about the future financial planning process. This interview should take about 30-45 minutes and will be recorded. To thank participants for their time, we will send them a virtual $25 Amazon Gift Card after the interview. Please click on this link to participate.

Contact

Corina Gilden, cgilden@udel.edu

Deadline

October 31, 2021

Miami University

Parental Teaching of Theory of Mind in Children of Color with Autism

Researchers

Annahita Modirrousta, Dr. Yvette Harris

Institution

Miami University

Who can participate

Parents of Latino/a, Asian American, or African American children children aged 4-7 with autism. In order to be eligible, children cannot have any other developmental disorder diagnosis (e.g. ADHD, ID). Parents must have a good internet connection and access to Google Meet.

Location

Remote; contact the researchers to participate.

Description

The purpose of this research is to examine how children of color with autism learn how to perspective-take, which means putting themselves in other people’s shoes and understanding other points of view. Specifically, this research looks at how parents teach perspective-taking to their child, and how that helps their child develop perspective-taking. This study will collect the ways parents teach perspective-taking to children of color with autism and find which ones are most effective in improving perspective-taking. Parents will be completing demographics questionnaires and an interview regarding how perspective-taking is taught at home. Only the parents are needed for this study.

Contact

Annahita Modirrousta, modirra@miamioh.edu

Deadline

November 18, 2021

University College Dublin

Understanding the Sensory Experiences of Autistic Children and Young People

Researchers

Dr. Nuala Brady, Madeleine Diepman

Institution

University College Dublin

Who can participate

Parents and guardians of autistic children/ young people & parents and guardians of non-autistic (neurotypical) children/ young people between the ages of 4 and 17 years inclusive. Participants do not need to be located in Ireland. Participants must have a good understanding of reading/writing in English.

Location

Remote; see Description below to find out how to participate.

Description

The research invites parents and guardians of autistic and non-autistic children to answer an online questionnaire regarding their child’s sensory experiences. This questionnaire consists of four scales that look at children’s:

  1. sensory responses (to light, sound, touch, texture etc)
  2. communication, and
  3. social interaction styles, and
  4. how they experience and express their emotions.

The study should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. Although differences in how autistic people experience sensory information have been recognized for a long time, how these everyday experiences relate to and may impact other aspects of how people experience the world (via social interactions, emotional responses etc) is still poorly understood.

To take part in this research, we ask that parents / guardians answer the questionnaire in relation to their child who does or does not have a clinical diagnosis of autism. The child must be aged between 4-17 years (inclusive), and the parent/ guardian must have proficient English (as the questionnaire is in English). This study is completely anonymous and has received full ethical approval from the UCD Ethics Committee.

We would also like to note, being mindful of the preferences of the autistic community, we have asked a number of autistic individuals here in Ireland about their wording preference. From our feedback, we have decided to use terms such as “autistic individual” rather than “individual with autism” in advertising this research study. However, we understand that different individuals and communities have their own preferences and encourage you to use wording that best suits for you.

Click this link to learn more about the study or sign up to participate.

Contact

Nuala Brady, nuala.brady@ucd.ie

Deadline

December 31, 2021

Tufts University

Comparing SRE (Sex and Relationships Education) in Two Formats for Adolescents with ASD

This study received a Graduate Research Grant from OAR in 2020.

Researcher

Xihan Yang

Institution

Tufts University

Who can participate

Autistic adolescents, ages 13-17, who have access to a computer

Location
  • In person: Medford, MA
  • Remotely: please contact the researchers
Description

We are looking for autistic teenagers to take part in an 18-week sex education program to assess whether or not they enjoyed the program and found it useful. Participants should be adolescents between 13-17 years old with a diagnosis of autism. They will take lessons with our trainers in either group or individual sessions online and completed some questionnaires. Parents will also complete some reports before and by the end of the study. Each participant will be compensated with a $40 Amazon gift card.

Contact

Xihan Yang, CrehanLab@tufts.edu or (617) 803-7555.

Deadline

December 31, 2021

Indiana University

Developing a Diagnosis-specific Training and Treatment Protocol for Youth with ASD Admitted to Acute General Psychiatric Units

This study received an Applied Research Grant from OAR in 2019.

Researchers

Jill Fodstad, Jadon Mehringer, Nicole Schieve

Institution

Indiana University

Who can participate
  • Parents of autistic children
  • Healthcare workers and administrative staff who have worked with autistic patients in an emergency department or psychiatric setting
Location

Remote. Click here to take the participation survey.

Description

Our research lab at Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking to interview healthcare staff and administrators who have experience caring for autistic individuals in a psychiatric or emergency department setting. We are also interviewing parents of autistic children who have received treatment in the emergency department or psychiatric unit.

Upon admittance to the hospital, autistic individuals often receive inadequate care, longer hospital stays, and barriers in communication. By interviewing healthcare staff, administrators, and parents, we will be able to develop a staff training care protocol that can assist in narrowing the gap in these disparities.

For this study, eligible participants will be asked to complete a 45-minute zoom interview with someone on our team. Upon completion of the interview, a $25 Amazon gift card will be emailed to them directly. Interested participants can take the eligibility survey linked here.

Contact

Jill Fodstad, jfodstad@iupui.edu

Deadline

January 1, 2022

Binghamton University

Bullying of Neurodivergent Teens During COVID-19

Researcher

Hannah Morton

Institution

Binghamton University

Who can participate

Autistic or ADHD youth in middle or high school (ages 11-19)

Location

Remotely; see Description for link to participate

Description

Researchers at Binghamton University are looking for (i.e., ages 11-19) about their experiences of bullying and support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Youth can self-identify or have a professional diagnosis. Participation is FULLY ONLINE. Parents will be asked to complete online questionnaires at two timepoints and teens will be asked to participate in two remote (Zoom) research visits with their parent and a member of our research team. Teens should be able to read and answer questions in English. Families will be paid $40 for less than four hours of total participation time. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Binghamton University. Please click this link to participate or email the address below with any questions.

Contact

Hannah Morton, autism@binghamton.edu

Deadline

January 31, 2022

University of Calgary

What do you mean I have Autism? Perspectives of the impact and lived experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum being uninformed of their diagnosis

Researchers

Brittany Lorentz and Dr. Adam McCrimmon

Institution

University of Calgary

Who can participate

Autistic adults, 18+

Location

Calgary Alberta, Canada or via Zoom

Description

Our team at the University of Calgary is interested in understanding the experiences of autistics who were unaware of their diagnosis because it was not disclosed to them, how the decision to not disclose that information decision influenced their development, and their opinions around being uninformed of their diagnosis. To do this, we want to interview and audio-record individuals who are 18 years of age or over, have an autism or related diagnosis, and were uninformed of their diagnosis for at least one year.

If you are interested in the study, please contact the researchers for more details. Participants who participate in the study will be given a $20 gift card in appreciation. You should note that you are in no way obligated to participate in the research, and your decision to participate or not participate in the research will in no way affect your relationship with our research team or any agency or organization that you have contact with.

University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this study (REB18-1302).

Contact

Brittany Lorentz (brittany.lorentz@ucalgary.ca) or Dr. Adam McCrimmon (awmccrim@ucalgary.ca).

Deadline

March 12, 2022

Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Depression Treatment for Autistic Adults

Researchers

Vanessa Bal, Ph.D.

Institution

Rutgers University, New Brunswick

Who can participate

Autistic adults aged at least 18 years, who live in NJ or NY or can travel to Rutgers University, who have someone who can participate with them (e.g., parent, sibling, friend)

Location

In-person (New Brunswick, NJ) or virtual

Description

This study is evaluating the efficacy of a 12-week mental health treatment designed to help with symptoms of depression. You may be eligible for you are at least 18 years of age, have a previous diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, live in NY, NJ or can travel to Rutgers University, and have someone who will participate with you (e.g., parent, sibling, friend). You will be asked to complete 12 therapy sessions (option online or in-person). If you participate, you will be compensated up to $150 for completion of assessment visits. If you are interested, please take the screening survey at https://redcap.link/depressiontreatment.

Contact

Vanessa Bal, LifeSPANlab@gsapp.rutgers.edu

Deadline

May 22, 2022

Northern Arizona University

Parents Taking Action to Improve Autism Services Access for Navajo Families in Northern Arizona

This study received an Applied Research Grant from OAR in 2021.

Researchers

Olivia Lindly, PhD, MPH, Davis Henderson, PhD & Kristina Lopez, PhD

Institution

Northern Arizona University

Who can participate

Navajo parents or guardians ages 18 years or older, who have a child with autism ages 2-12 years, and live in Northern Arizona on or off the Navajo reservation within the Western Navajo Agency.

Location

This study is being conducted both in-person and remotely. In-person participation is taking place in Northern Arizona in and around Flagstaff, as well as the Western Navajo Agency.

Description

Northern Arizona University is conducting a study to learn about the experiences of Navajo parents and guardians raising children with autism. If you are Diné and have a child with autism who is 2-12 years old, we want to talk with you. your input will help inform strategies to improve access to services for Navajo children with autism. We will provide $30 for your time and expertise. We are looking for Navajo parents or guardians ages 18 years or older, who have a child with autism ages 2-12 years, and live in Northern Arizona on or off the Navajo reservation within the Western Navajo Agency. If you are interested, please contact Olivia Lindly at Olivia.Lindly@nau.edu or Candi Running Bear at (928) 523-5175.

Contact

Olivia Lindly, Olivia.Lindly@nau.edu

Candi Running Bear, (928) 523-5175

Deadline

May 31, 2022

University of Vermont

Communication is Movement: Speech and Gesture Motor Control and Coordination in Mildly Autistic Young Adults

This study received a Graduate Research Grant from OAR in 2021.

Researcher

Claudia Abbiati

Institution

University of Vermont

Who can participate

Autistic adults (ages 18-35) who are fluent, native speakers of American English

Location

In-person – Burlington, VT

Description

The Department of Communication Sciences at the University of Vermont is currently seeking autistic adults / adults on the autism spectrum to participate in a study! The study is seeking to understand how autistic adults speak and gesture (i.e., move their hands) when communicating.

Interested participants will have a phone screening to determine if you are eligible. If you are selected for the study, you will complete 3 questionnaires. You will also have a 2 ½ hours long visit to do speaking and gesturing tasks at UVM.

Contact

Claudia Abbiati, claudia.abbiati@med.uvm.edu

Deadline

August 31, 2022

Department of Defense

ABA Study for Autistic Children in Military Families

Researchers

Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Dr. Eric Butter, Dr. Zachary Warren, and Dr. Susan Hyman

Institution

Cleveland Clinic, May Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, University of Rochester Medical Center; funded by the Department of Defense

Who can participate

Autistic children, ages 18 months – 4 years, who are covered by TRICARE insurance.

Location

Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH), May Institute (Virginia and North Carolina), Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, OH), Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN)

Description
  • Your child will receive behavioral interventions from professionals.
  • You may be offered opportunities to learn new strategies for your child.
  • We will ask you questions about your child, and you will be paid for filling out forms.
  • Results will be used to help military families who have autistic children.
Contact

Cleveland Clinic: Leah Barto, Research Coordinator at (216) 448-6392 or autismresearch@ccf.org

May Institute: Dr. Jaime Crowley-Zalaket, Research Coordinator at (781) 300-8926 or JCrowley@mayinstitute.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Nicole Cacciato, Research Coordinator at (614) 355-7517 or Nicole.cacciato@nationwidechildrens.org

Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Amy Swanson, Research Coordinator at (615) 322-6533 or amy.r.swanson@vumc.org

Deadline

August 2022

Purdue University

The Your View Study

Researcher

Carolyn McCormick

Institution

Purdue University

Who can participate

Families with children between 2-5 years of age who: are on the autism spectrum, have Down Syndrome, or are typically developing.

Location

Remote; participation is all completed at home and through online questionnaires.

Description

Families will receive a kit mailed to their home with head-cameras, headbands, and instructions. Parents and their children will wear the head-cameras and record their daily activities for up to 4 hours across 1 week. Parents will also be asked to fill out questionnaires online. Families will be compensated with a $60 amazon gift card for their time. Are you interested or have questions? Contact us at maclab@purdue.edu.

Contact

Contact Measurement, Autism and Child Development Lab (MAC Lab) at maclab@purdue.edu.

Deadline

12/1/22