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).
Effect of Propranolol on Neurobiological Mechanisms of Sensory Over-Responsivity
PI: Dr. Shulamite Green
Purpose
We are examining a previously established medication, propranolol, for sensory over-responsivity (SOR). Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is a widely used daily preventative medication for individuals ranging from infants to adolescents/adults, and is used to treat conditions such as headache, stage fright, and tremor.
Currently, intervention for SOR is limited, and there are no medications that have been specifically studied to treat it. This study will help us gain a better understanding of how propranolol affects brain and body responses during sensory processing, which is an important first step to determine if it can treat SOR symptoms.
We will be recruiting through the summer of 2024 for this study!
Involvement
3 visits to UCLA
The first study visit will be about an hour long, where our physician will go over the consent form for this study and complete an intake form to determine if your child is eligible.
The second and third study visits will include:
- 1 hour MRI scan
- Sensory assessments (some including physiological measurements, such as heart rate)
- Parent/Participant Questionnaires
Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Up to $175
- A picture of their brain!
Recruiting
We are recruiting children with autism between the 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).
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Sensory Over-Responsivity (Autistic adults, ages 18-35)
PI: Dr. Shulamite Green
Purpose
This study will examine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to reduce brain responses to aversive sensations in people with autism and sensory over-responsivity (SOR). TMS is a noninvasive brain treatment technique that uses magnetic waves that pass through the skull to stimulate the outer layer of the brain. It is typically used to treat individuals with depression but is being tested as a novel treatment for SOR. Currently, intervention for SOR is limited and this study will help us gain a better understanding of how TMS affects brain responses during sensory processing which is an important first step to determining if it can treat SOR symptoms.
Participation would involve 3 study visits to UCLA. The first visit will last around 1.5- 2 hours and involve a consent session, MRI, and study questionnaires. The following 2 study visits will last around 2-2.5 hours and include an MRI scan and a round of TMS. You will receive $50 for the first study visit, plus $75 for the following 2 visits, for up to $200 in total. We compensate for parking during our visits as well.
We are finishing up recruitment for this study in the summer of 2024!
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).