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.
Active Studies
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)
Request Information
- 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
Parent-Mediated Intervention Study (ImPACT): NO LONGER ENROLLING NEW FAMILIES
Are you interested in improving your child's social-communication skills?
This project is evaluating a parent-implemented intervention designed to improve children’s social and communication skills. Our study will examine the effectiveness of ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communicative Teachers) for infants at familial risk for ASD. Participating families will be randomly assigned to either the Treatment group or an Assess-and-Monitor group.
Funding Source: National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Request Information
- Families who:
- Have a child with an ASD diagnosis and have an infant under 18 months old
- Live within 30 miles of University of Washington
What are the requirements?
- Families in both groups will come to UW for 6 visits for an evaluation of their infant’s social-communication skills
- Families in the Treatment group will receive in-home training 2 times per week for 12 consecutive weeks
Your time is compensated
The Screen-Refer-Treat Model for Increasing Access to ASD Community Services: NO LONGER ENROLLING NEW FAMILIES
Can we improve the healthcare delivery system?
This project is implementing and evaluating an innovative healthcare service delivery model designed to promote earlier access to specialized intervention for toddlers with ASD. The Screen-Refer-Treat (SRT) model provides a coordinated and cost-effective approach to early identification and intervention by involving both Medical and Early Intervention (EI) providers, and represents a practical and sustainable strategy for bridging the gap between ASD concerns and ASD intervention. We are recruiting participants from four communities across Washington State: Skagit, Lewis, Yakima, and Spokane counties.
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Request Information
- Residents in one of the four counties who are:
- Primary Care providers
- Early Intervention providers
- Parents of toddlers between 16 and 30 months (English-speaking or Spanish-speaking)
What are the requirements?
- Completing surveys at multiple time points.
- No visits to the University of Washington are required
Your time is compensated
Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Study: NO LONGER ENROLLING NEW FAMILIES
Do environmental exposures increase ASD risk?
The ECHO Study is a large, nationwide project examining the effect of environmental risk factors on child health outcomes. We are participating in the “ASD-Enriched Risk Cohort” component, which is studying the shed baby teeth (i.e., teeth that have fallen out) from children who have older siblings with ASD. The purpose of the study is to explore how genetic factors interact with pre- and post-natal environmental chemical exposures to impact ASD risk.
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Request Information
- Children who:
- Are now 4-10 years old
- Participated in one of READi Lab's baby sibling studies
- Completed a diagnostic evaluation through the study at age 24 or 36 months
What are the requirements?
- Sending us at least one shed baby tooth to be analyzed
Your participation is compensated
Upcoming Studies
No upcoming studies at this time.