Research for Adults

If you are between 18 and 40 years of age, you can play an important role in research by volunteering for a free and confidential study conducted by the McPartland Lab at the Yale School of Medicine.

We are seeking autistic and neurotypical individuals.

Email autism@yale.edu,

Call 203-737-3439 or

Fill out a brief form and we will contact you.

This study will evaluate the effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a type of noninvasive brain stimulation. TMS is a therapy that has been approved for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder and we are looking to see if it can also help autistic people. This method uses magnetic waves to influence brain activity. Participation includes two visits that involve answering questions and solving puzzles, as well as a recording of brain waves (using EEG) and watching videos on a computer screen. Compensation is $100 per visit.

This study will evaluate the effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a type of noninvasive brain stimulation for potentially treating depression in autistic individuals. TMS is a therapy that has been approved for conditions like depression, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Depression is common in autism so there is a need to better understand why autistic individuals have higher rates of depression than neurotypical individuals. In addition, many autistic individuals with depression may not respond to the standard antidepressant medications. In our study we conduct clinical assessments, then EEG and eye tracking experiments before and after TMS. Both autistic and neurotypical adults with or without depression can participate. Study participants will be compensated up to $250.

This study investigates how the brain processes sounds, and why sometimes the same sounds can feel too loud or too quiet. Participation includes a one-time visit to the lab where brain activity is measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG) in response to various sounds. In addition, participants will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and answer online daily questions at home throughout the following week. We are recruiting adults with and without autism between the ages of 18-40 years old. Participants will be compensated up to $75 for their time.

The McPartland lab is always working on new research so please check back soon to see if any additional studies become available.

This study researches brain responses to eye contact in autistic and neurotypical adults. This project studies behavior and brain systems to better understand how autistic adults perceive and respond to eye contact from others. Participation involves one visit to our lab where individuals will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and watch videos while their brain waves are recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Participants receive a clinical evaluation as well as compensation.

This research study is designed to help understand brain activity during social interactions. The study will use a method called Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), which involves wearing a specialized cap to measure brain responses while interacting with another person. Participating in the study involves talking with members of the team, filling out forms, and completing an fNIRS task. Participants will be compensated $50 for a visit.

Collaborator: Dr. Joy Hirsch

This study is designed to look at brain activity using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in autistic adults. PET imaging will be used to measure specific molecules in the brain and to measure synaptic connectivity. Scan procedures include the use of a small amount of radiation. The study will take place across two or three separate visits (one or two PET scans). The first day will consist of a brief physical exam and a 30-minute magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Up to two PET scans can be completed on a single day or different days depending on preference. Participants are compensated $100 for the first day and up to $450 for both PET scans.

Collaborator: Dr. David Matuskey

We are not currently enrolling participants in these three studies.