Research
Lots of wonderful research for autism is being conducted all across America. In fact, there are some amazing researchers right here in Minnesota! Below are some highlights and links to current ASD research.
SPARK:
SPARK is the largest genetic study of autism in the world. SPARK encourages both autistic and unaffected individuals to send samples to figure out what individual genetic factors affect/cause autism.
SPARK is the largest genetic study of autism in the world. SPARK encourages both autistic and unaffected individuals to send samples to figure out what individual genetic factors affect/cause autism.
SMART Approach:
Connie Kasari and her colleagues at UCLA reveal a more successful approach to personalizing autism interventions for evaluation of treatments. The SMART design, for Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial, assigns each subject to a specific therapy program. Researchers measure the progress for each child for certain amount of time. After a predetermined time period, the kids who are not making the most progress will be assigned to three different groups. Each group is given a different therapy based on their weaknesses. This method shows a more reliable method to give each child with autism the right amount of therapy needed.
SMART Approach:
University of Minnesota's Research:
Dr. Suma Jacob and her team research the effects of therapy interventions on the behavior of autistic children. Also, she focuses on how different medications affect different behaviors.