Research Projects

Large-scale Assessments of Spoken Language Comprehension in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abnormal production and comprehension of prosody, and resulting social and communicative difficulties, are well-recognized characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the current study, we aim to collect data from a large group of participants on their abilities to comprehend linguistic and communicative functions of prosody (e.g., separating a question from a statement).

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Assessing Selective Eating in Autistic and Non-Autistic Young Adults

In this study, we assess autistic and non-autistic young adults’ food preferences and experiences related to eating. Additionally, we investigate if sensory sensitivities or rigidity contributes to selective eating as well as collect information to help us understand the impact of eating experiences on mental health and well-being.

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An Investigation of the Complex Relationships Between Sensory Reactivity, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health in Autistic Adults

Research examining the relationships between sensory symptoms and mental health is lacking in autistic adults. In this online survey study, we are investigating the relationship between sensory reactivity and anxiety symptoms and the effectiveness of various coping strategies for managing negative sensory experiences.

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The Development of Personal Choice in Adolescents With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

An important aspect of adolescence is the development of personal autonomy. As teens grow older and social reasoning develops, they push boundaries and request increasingly more control over personal issues. In the current study, we aim to collect data on how autistic teens and their parents view parental authority across different scenarios and how this compares to non-autistic teens and their parents.

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Communication Study

Language impairment is a common feature of autism that influences social communication, conversational skills, friendship development, and even vocational independence. In the current study, we aim to Identify patterns of language complexity in autistic and non-autistic youth across conversations with familiar and unfamiliar speaking partners.

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The Impact of Sensory Reactivity on Mental Health and Well-Being in Transition Age Autistic and Non-Autistic Young Adults

Autistic people are at a greater risk of experiencing clinical anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Sensory reactivity differences have been identified as one of the risk factors for the development of these internalizing disorders in autism. In the current study, we are following-up with autistic and non-autistic young adults who participated in one of our lab’s previous projects as adolescents (Sensory Processing and Cognitive Functioning in ASD) to learn more about how sensory reactivity and anxiety change over time, and how sensory symptoms relate to mental health and wellbeing.

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Communication, Emotion Regulation, and Frustration in Children with ASD

This senior honors study examines the effect of communication abilities on emotion regulation and expressions of frustration in children (aged 5-9 years).

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The Impact of Subjective Social Status on the Age of ASD Diagnosis

This senior honors study examines how a child’s race and ethnicity, familial socioeconomic status, and parental mistrust in the medical system impact the age of ASD diagnosis.

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