Our Studies
Below are some of our ongoing studies!
Research Overview
Current Studies
Sensory Regulation Development: A Longitudinal Study
PI: Dr. Shulamite Green
Purpose
This longitudinal study aims to examine how sensory reactivity and regulation develops over time in youth with autism compared to typically developing controls. By identifying the neurobioloigcal mechanisms that support sensory regulation development in these groups, we hope to inform the creation of more targetted and effective therapeutic interventions.
We’ve already worked with over 75 children and their families, but we’re still actively recruiting!
Involvement
2-3 visits to UCLA, over the course of about 2 years
Each study time-point will include:
- A 1.5 hour brain scan (MRI)
- Sensory assessments (some including physiological measurements, such as heart rate)
- Parent/Participant Questionnaires
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Up to $270
- A picture of their brain!
- Optional research report on their sensory processing
Recruiting
Immediate enrollment opportunities for youth with autism or typically developing controls, ages 8-15!
Contact
- Please feel free to email us at scanlab@mednet.ucla.edu if you are interested in participating.
- You can also text or call (323) 391-8795 for more information and to complete a short screening interview (15 minutes).
Sensory Over-Responsivity Across the Spectrum
PI: Dr. Shulamite Green
Purpose
This study aims to examine how sensory reactivity and regulation develops in youth across the autism spectrum.
We will measure your child’s heart rate and sweat levels while they play with different sensory games to understand sensory avoidance in autism.
We are also including participants who have a wider range of verbal and cognitive skills.
Some participants may also be eligible for an MRI scan!
This is a new study, and we will start recruiting participants in the fall of 2024!
Involvement
1-2 visits to UCLA
A study visit will include:
- Sensory assessments (some including physiological measurements, such as heart rate)
- Parent/Participant Questionnaires
- An optional brain scan (if participants are eligible)
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Up to $100
- A picture of their brain (if they complete the brain scan)!
Recruiting
We are recruiting children with autism between the ages 7-15!
We are also including participants with a wider range of verbal and cognitive skills.
Contact
- Please feel free to email us at scanlab@mednet.ucla.edu if you are interested in participating.
- You can also text or call (323) 391-8795 for more information and to complete a short screening interview (15 minutes).
Early Emotions Study
PI: Dr. Shulamite Green, Siobhan Glynn
Purpose
This study aims to understand when and how nuanced emotion recognition develops and inform potential interventions for young children facing emotion processing challenges. We are interested in how young children with and without autism develop the ability to recognize emotions from others’ facial expressions. This study will also examine how viewing videos of one’s own emotion expressions may help children recognize others’ emotions.
This is a new study, and we are actively recruiting!
Involvement
The study can be completed over Zoom or during a home visit in less than an hour.
Parents will need to complete online questionnaires about their child and themselves before the study visit.
Benefits
Participants will receive a $25 gift card!
Recruiting
We are recruiting children with and without autism between the ages 3-5!
Contact
- Please feel free to email us at earlyemo.ucla@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.
- You can also text or call (781) 290-9037 for more information.
- Click the button below to complete a short screening, review the consent form, and enroll in the study