Below are two research studies that are currently looking for participants:

1. A study looking for adolescents and young adults in the MD/greater Washington, DC area.
2. A study asking parents of children with autism to help by completing an online survey related to child safety.

Both sponsoring organizations and the researchers are reputable and supported by OAR. If you are interested, please use the contact information provided.

ARE YOU OR DO YOU HAVE A TEEN WITH HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM OR ASPERGER SYNDROME? DO YOU WANT HELP PREPARING FOR COLLEGE?

What is this project?

• Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Supporting Transition in Vocation and Education (STRIVE) is an innovative, skill-building resource designed specifically for late adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 21 with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high functioning autism (HFA) as they transition from high school to postsecondary education or work.
• Three 90-minute STRIVE group sessions are being tested in July and August 2008 to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the curriculum and to gather feedback about its format and content.
• Participants are also being recruited nationally for our control group.

What will I have to do?

If you participate in this evaluation, you will be asked to do one or both of the following:

• Attend three 90-minute STRIVE sessions in a group with approximately eight other teens/young adults with HFA/AS.
• Complete a few brief surveys about your knowledge about how to make decisions concerning college and how to apply to college.

When are the sessions?

• The three 90-minute sessions will be scheduled in July and August 2008 according to the participants schedules/preferences. Note: participants in the control group will not attend the sessions.

Where will the sessions be held?

• The STRIVE sessions will be held in Rockville and/or Silver Spring , MD.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Eligible participants include adolescents and young adults ages 16 to 21 with AS/HFA who are considering pursuing postsecondary education (college, university, vocational/trade school, etc.).

Will I receive anything for participating?

• Participants will receive $25 per session attended or $25 for completing two sets of brief questionnaires. All participants (even those not attending sessions) will receive either a printed or electronic workbook to aid in the college application process.

How do I sign up?

• Contact Tina Thomas (240) 645-1121 or tthomas@danya.com to reserve your spot. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact us today if you are interested in participating!

UNDERSTANDING CHILD SAFETY AND INJURY RISK STARTS WITH THOSE WHO KNOW CHILDREN BEST

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death for children over the age of one in the United States. Safety issues for children are of great concern for schools and families.

We are conducting a research study to collect information from parent and teacher perspectives regarding child safety, to increase the understanding of the safety needs of chidlren. The main focus of this study is to examine the information to determine what safety risks are of greatest concern in each setting. The goal of this research project is to improve preventive methods for child safety.

If you would like to assist us by participating in our study, please visit our website at: http://icd.binghamton.edu. Click on the link for the Child Safety Survey. Further details will be available on the webpage. This project is funded by the Institute for Child Development.

Rachel Straub, B.A., Project Coordinator
Binghamton University
and
Raymond G. Romanczyk, Director
Institute for Child Development

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