Current Studies

The Sukhodolsky Lab is seeking children ages 8 to 14 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have high levels of anxiety to take part in a free and confidential study.

The purpose of this study is to find out if and how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children with ASD and anxiety. Although ASD involves difficulty in socialization and communication, children with ASD may also have clinically significant levels of anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy has worked well for reducing anxiety in typically developing children, and there is some evidence that it can be helpful for reducing anxiety in children with ASD. During CBT children are taught various skills for coping with anxiety, and parents are taught various strategies for managing situations that can be anxiety provoking for their children. We are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate whether reduction of anxiety after CBT may be paralleled by changes in the brain mechanisms of emotion regulation.

Participation involves completing 15 weeks of therapy, which may be conducted in-person at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT, or remotely by telehealth. Participants also complete fMRI and assessments before, during and after treatment. Assessments include filling out questionnaires and answering in-person questions about symptoms and behaviors.

The study provides a comprehensive assessment of autism, including IQ and adaptive function, and treatment for anxiety at no cost to families. Families receive up to $350 for participation.

To learn more, contact Rebecca Jordan at Rebecca.Jordan@yale.edu or (203) 737-7664.

The Sukhodolsky Lab is seeking adolescents ages 12 to 18 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have elevated levels of irritability to take part in a free and confidential study. Irritability and/or disruptive behaviors may include anger outbursts, temper tantrums, noncompliance, being easily frustrated, physical behaviors, difficulty following directions, and other similarly challenging behaviors.

The purpose of this study is to test a novel behavioral intervention (BTIA) for irritability and aggression in comparison to a supportive psychotherapy control condition. We want to see if BTIA helps reduce irritability and aggressive behavior in adolescents with ASD.

Participation involves completing 15 weeks of therapy, which may be conducted in-person at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT, or remotely by telehealth. Parents and adolescents also complete questionnaires and interviews about symptoms and behaviors before, during, and after treatment.

The study provides a comprehensive assessment of autism, including IQ and adaptive function, and treatment for irritability at no cost to families. Families receive up to $250 for participation.

To learn more, contact Rebecca Jordan at Rebecca.Jordan@yale.edu or (203) 737-7664.

The Sukhodolsky Lab is seeking children between the ages of 8 to 14 who have no anxiety or mental health concerns for a study that involves functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The purpose of this study is to learn about the neural mechanisms of social and emotional behavior in children.

Participation involves three visits to the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT. Study procedures include parent and child questionnaires about emotions and behaviors, a brief psychological assessment, and two fMRI scans.

Families receive up to $140 for participation.

To learn more, contact Rebecca Jordan at Rebecca.Jordan@yale.edu or (203) 737-7664.

The Sukhodolsky Lab, in conjunction with 7 participating institutes from an Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) network, is conducting a longitudinal study of individuals with autism and their families. Wave 1 of this research study was conducted at Yale from 2013-2016. In order to study the transition to young adulthood, we are now inviting participants back to the Child Study Center for a follow-up study. Our research team will be re-contacting over 100 participants, ages 12-35 with and without autism, via email and phone over the next several years.

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of gender differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects males more than females. There might be different causes of ASD for boys and girls. Also, ASD affects females in ways that are different from males and may need to be treated differently in order to help girls. A better understanding of gender differences in autism might improve diagnosis and interventions going forward.

Participation involves one or more of the following study procedures: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), blood draw for genetic tests, saliva collection for epigenetic tests, questionnaires, and behavioral assessments. Parents may be asked to complete questionnaires, an interview, and a blood draw. Study participation takes no more than 12 hours over 3 visits.

Study-related assessments are provided free of charge, and compensation for study completion is up to $440.

To learn more, contact Sonia Rowley at sonia.rowley@yale.edu or (475) 238-1508.

The Sukhodolsky and Ventola Labs are seeking children ages 5-9 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for a study that involves Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT).

The purpose of this study is to study the impact of the neurohormone oxytocin and PRT on children’s language, social, and play skills development. PRT is a well-studied behavioral treatment for children with ASD. The treatment is designed to improve social communication skills by teaching these skills in the context of natural environments.

Participation involves functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in-person assessments, and 16 weeks of Pivotal Response Treatment at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, CT.

PRT is provided free of charge along with an intranasal spray of either oxytocin or a placebo. Participants will receive up to $300 for participation.

To learn more, contact the PRT Study Team at ventolaLab@yale.edu or (203) 737-4378.