Nancy J. Minshew, M.D., an internationally recognized expert in autism, is also the Director of the University of Pittsburgh based Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism (CPEA). Dr. Minshew is collaborating with a team of scientists from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Illinois at Chicago to find the neurological, genetic, and cognitive basis for autism.
Benefits of Participating in Our Research Studies:
A gold standard diagnostic and psychological assessment and report at no cost to you. Our reports may help in SSI determination, educational planning, and vocational training. Travel and Lodging expenses provided for out of town participants. Some studies can be conducted over the phone. Participants may receive up to $425 based upon the number of studies completed and for which they qualify. Weekend and evening appointments available for most studies.
We are accepting participants for these studies now through 2007. New studies are added continuously.
Who is eligible for this study?
Children and adults who have or think they have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder such as High Functioning Autism,
Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD and are also:
Between the ages of 8 and 55
Have I.Q.’s between 80 and 125
Verbal individuals
What will I do and how long will it take?
Eligible individuals participate in diagnostic assessments, paper and pencil testing, functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI), computer tests, and an eye movement task.
All tests can be completed within 3 days. Evening and weekend appointments are available for most tests.
Who is eligible for this study?
Families with more than one child with autism of any level of severity.
Individuals with autism must be at least 2.5 years of age to participate.
What will I do and how long will it take?
This study involves diagnostic interviews, family history interviews and blood samples. Part of the testing involves
researchers from the University of Washington coming to your town to administer these tests
Interviews may be done over the phone. You may take a blood kit to your physician at not cost to you.
Total time for this study is between 3-4 hours.
Who is eligible for this study?
Families with one child with autism of any level of severity
Parents must younger than 50 years of age
Siblings must be 8 years of age or older
What will I do and how long will it take?
Parents and siblings in this study will complete a short battery of paper and pencil tests, eye movement tests,
and computer tests. Testing should take 3 hours per participant.
Evening and weekend hours are available for most tests.
Flexible Scheduling- All the tests do not need to be completed on the same day.
Who is eligible for this study?
Infants less than 5 months of age who have an older sibling with autism of any level of severity.
Women in their 3rd trimester who have a child with autism of any level of severity.
What will I do and how long will it take?
The child with autism will participate in a diagnostic interview.
Monthly In-home observations of the infant and caregiver up to 14 months of age & a follow up visit at 18 months of age.
Each In-home observation lasts approximately 1 hour. Parents will be provided with a baby book and videotapes of their
interactions with their infant, which summarizes the 11 observations.
University of Pittsburgh
Autism Research Program
Webster Hall - Suite 300
3811 O'Hara Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
(412) 246 - 5485
or Toll-free 1-866-647-3436
E-Mail: autismrecruiter@msx.upmc.edu
(Please be sure to include your phone number in your email)
If you call the above number and do not get a return call within 5 days
please call (412) 246 - 5485
Visit their web page www.pitt/edu/~minshew/
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