Early Social Cognition in Typically Developing Children and in Children with Autism and Related Disorders Disorders

FAQs

• What is the purpose of this study?
• Who will be studied?
• What will the study require?
• What is the time commitment?
• What are the benefits of being in this study to my family?
• Can my child be in this study?
• What safeguards are in place to ensure that the study is conducted ethically and the children who participate in the study are not harmed in any way?
• Who is funding the study?
• What other universities are conducting this study in conjunction with Yale?
• Who is involved at Yale?
• How can I get further information?

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What is the purpose of the study?

This study will examine the early development of basic social skills in young children. We will observe how children with various developmental delays and typical development look at people and perceive speech. This research will lead to the development of new methods to diagnose developmental delays in toddlers, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It will also help us identify key areas for early intervention.

Who will be studied?

• 10- to 24-month-old children with developmental delays, including ASD
• 10- to 24- month-old typically developing children

What will the study require?

Your child will watch pictures of objects and people on a computer screen, as well as watch several short videos and listen to sounds. All children will be given a developmental assessment, and those with developmental problems will also be administered a diagnostic assessment. Parents will complete several questionnaires regarding their child's development and adaptive behavior.

What is the time commitment?

The testing will last up to five hours which will be divided between two visits at our lab. We will schedule all appointments at your convenience.

What do I and what does my child get out of this study?

Parents of children with identified developmental delays will have the opportunity to discuss the findings with a clinician and will subsequently receive a written report summarizing the assessment results. In addition, children will receive a gift certificate.

Can my child be in this study?

Your child can be in this study if he or she is either:

• 10 to 24 months old and has either suspected or identified delays in social, communication, cognitive, or other areas, and if the child has no visual or hearing impairment, seizure disorder, or any known genetic syndrome.

or

• 10 to 24 months old and has no delays, visual or hearing impairment, seizure disorder, or identified genetic syndrome.

What safeguards are in place to ensure that the study is conducted ethically and the children who participate in the study are not harmed in any way?

The study has been approved by the Yale Human Investigations Committee, protocol #11238. The examiners working with your child have extensive experience with toddlers.

Who is funding the study?

This study is funded through the National Alliance for Autism Research, Autism Speaks, and the Korczak Foundation for Autism Research.

What other Universities are conducting this study in conjunction with Yale?

The University of Sheffield, U.K.

Who are the members of the research team conducting this study?

The members of the research team include Kasia Chawarska, Ph.D., Fred Volkmar, M.D., Ami Klin, Ph.D., George Anderson, Ph.D., Celine Saulnier, Ph.D., Rhea Paul, Ph.D., Suzanne Macari, Ph.D., and Frederick Shic, M.S.

How can I get more information?

If you would like more information about this study, please contact Suzanne Macari at 203-764-9178.