At the University of Washington READi Lab, we conduct research related to early detection and intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our studies cover a wide range of key areas in autism research. Our research participants are families with and without children with autism. Learn about the benefits of participating.
Current Studies
RISE STUDY: Reciprocal Imitation and Social Engagement
How can we improve child and family outcomes through access to effective parent training in early intervention settings?
This study is designed to examine the effectiveness of parent-mediated Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) for improving child outcomes and family quality of life. It will be conducted in community EI programs across 4 states: Washington, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Illinois. We are using a randomized controlled design to identify both treatment effects and the underlying mechanisms through which RIT improves children’s social communication. In addition, we are collecting data from providers that will help us optimize the scalability of RIT across the Part C Early Intervention system.
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Who is eligible to participate?
- Primary caregivers of children aged 16 to 30 months who are receiving services from a participating Early Intervention provider.
What are the requirements?
- Study participation will involve completing play-based assessments and survey questions 3 times over a 9-month period. Child assessments will be conducted in the home by caregivers, guided by project staff. Enrolled caregivers will also be asked to record 3 sessions with your EI provider and to complete a one-time, semi-structured interview.
Participants will receive $150 per study event (up to $450 total), $25 for EI sessions that are video recorded (up to $75), and $30 for the semi-structured interview. Total compensation for completing all study activities is $555.
SPROUT STUDY: Effectiveness of a Low-Cost, Evidence-Based Intervention for Early Intervention Settings
How can we provide low-cost, effective, evidence-based early intervention for parents and toddlers?
This project is assessing the effectiveness of Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) -- an evidence-based, ASD-specialized intervention – for use by community providers working in publicly funded Part C Early Intervention (EI) programs serving children from birth to 3 years. RIT is ideally suited for EI settings because it is inexpensive, play-based, easy to learn and implement, and can be taught to parents for use with their child at home. We are examining how RIT is implemented by EI providers and parents and which aspects of RIT use are associated with improvements in children’s social communication.
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Who is eligible to participate?
- Parents of children aged between 18 and 30 months and who are receiving services from a participating Early Intervention provider
What are the requirements?
- Parents enrolled in the study will participate in 3 web-based visits and complete a series of surveys over the course of 6 months
Participants will receive a $150 gift card per web-based visit ($450 total) and an additional $30 for completing all weekly surveys (for a total of $480 for taking part in this study)
UW PATHWAYS Study
How can we increase access to early screening and intervention for underserved families?
The READi Lab is partnering with health care, early intervention, and early learning programs in King County to reduce health care disparities in early ASD identification and treatment. This project involves: (1) conducting focus groups with community providers and families to understand barriers to communicating about ASD concerns, and (2) offering materials and training to community providers with the goals of increasing ASD screening and reducing the age at which children receive ASD specialized intervention.
Funding Source: US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
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Who is eligible to participate?
- Primary care, Early Intervention, or Early Learning providers working in King County
- Parents of 16-30 month old toddlers who:
- Receive services from one of the providers enrolled in the study
- Have concerns about the development of their toddler
- Speak either English or Spanish
What are the requirements?
- Completing surveys at 2 time points (3 months apart)
- Bringing your toddler to UW for two assessment visits (3 months apart)
Your time is compensated
Recently Completed Studies
Parent-Mediated Intervention Study (ImPACT)
The Screen-Refer-Treat Model for Increasing Access to ASD Community Services
Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Study