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Are you the parent of a child with a high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD), Asperger’s syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS who is a high school student preparing to transition to a post-secondary education setting such as a university or a community college within a few years? Would you like to participate in the development of a computer-based program designed to help individuals with HF-ASD transition to college with improved success? With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, 3C Institute is looking for individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD), their parents, and educators to give us feedback on the current resources you are using to prepare for the PSE transition and feedback on our web-based program. If your child is eligible, and you and your child are chosen to participate in the study, you will be asked to:

· Contact your child’s teacher or school provider about their participation in the study
· Complete online consent materials
· Complete questionnaires two times (now and again in about 8 weeks) regarding your child’s motivation to pursue postsecondary education and his/her PSE-related skills. Both your child and the school provider will complete these questionnaires.
· Answer questions regarding the tools, resources and practices that you use to help prepare your child for postsecondary education

Participants (parents, students, and teachers) will receive between $70 and $150 for the completion of ALL study materials. Participants will also receive access to a web-based program, PREP, aimed at helping students with ASD identify and develop skills to support their success in college.

If you are interested in participating in or learning more about this study, please click the link below to complete a brief eligibility screening form.
http://www.prepasd.com/parents
We will contact you to let you know if you qualify and provide the next steps for participation.
If you have any questions about the research study, please contact Rachel Hall at 919-677-0102 ext. 514 or hall@3cisd.com.

Posted Dec 2015: Sensory Nerve Research Study for Adults with Autism

Very little is known about the sensory nerves of individuals with autism. While it is known that they have problems with touch on many parts of the body and in the mouth, sensory nerve function has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we seek to learn more about the sensory nerves in autism. A very small biopsy from the leg will be taken from adults with moderate or severe autism over the age of 20. We will compare the results with those of individuals without autism. A very small surface sample of skin — less than 1/8 inch in size — from the leg. It is so small and surface that a stitch is not necessary. It will leave a small circular scar that is less than 1/8 of an inch.

Eligibility Criteria
• Participants should be 20 years of age or older
• Participants should have a confirmed diagnosis of autism and be on the moderate to severe end of the spectrum
• Participants should not have diabetes or any other neurological or skin condition

How to Enroll
1. Send an email to info@qsti.org expressing your interest in the study.
2. Fill out the preliminary information forms at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/biopsy20
3. Scan or fax a copy of the autism evaluation and diagnosis to info@qsti.org or fax 503.715.4654.

Dr. Silva will review the information to determine whether eligibility criteria is met. She will inform you within a few days whether he/she has been accepted into the study. If accepted into the study, an informed consent form will need to be completed.(http://qsti.org/biopsyconsent.pdf).

Compensation: Participants will be compensated $500 after the completion of the biopsy.

Questions? If you have questions, you may contact the Principal Investigator of the study, Dr. Louisa Silva, at study@qsti.org or 503.474.0218.

Funded by the Curry Stone Foundation and conducted by Western Oregon University’s (WOU’s) Teaching Research Institute. This study has been approved by WOU’s Institutional Review Board.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in every 88 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the country; however, little is known about what causes it.

May 14, 2015- “Study Links Epigenetic Changes in Mom’s DNA to Babies’ Autism Symptoms”- New research indicates that epigenetic changes in the DNA of mothers influence the severity of autism in their children. The results are preliminary, but if confirmed researchers will explore how these epigenetic difference may relate to mother’s age, environmental experiences, and genetic predispositions. If researchers are able to do a better job of measuring how particular environmental exposures predispose to autism, then they might be able to develop better public policies and health recommendations to reduce the risk of autism.” May 14 2015 08:54 AM | brian in Research and Autism News

Recap of a recent survey for parents with children with communication problems.
Parents list the most important areas to support their children (most vs. least important)

• Anxiety & Depression
• Developing and maintaining friendships
• Coping skills for stressful situations
• Verbal and nonverbal Communication
• Behavioral management
• Problems with eating or sleeping
• Sensitivity to criticism
• Asking for help
• Tantrum & Aggression
• Difficulties with transitions
• Fears
• Attachment issues with parents, teachers, caregivers

Therapies attempt to lessen the deficits, support the strengths and to increase the quality of life and functional independence of children.

Counseling children and adults
Helping find verbal and nonverbal means to communicate
Develop therapeutic treatment plans based on client’s interests, abilities, and needs
Strength Based