Physiological Response in Children with Autism during Gaze Fixation
Eligibility Criteria:
· Children/adolescents with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome aged 6 to 8 years OR 12 to 15 years
· Typically-developing children/adolescents aged 6 to 8 years OR 12 to 15 years (can be an unaffected sibling)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Keith Slifer, Ph.D.
We are offering your child(ren) an opportunity to participate in a research study that explores how the body reacts during eye contact and if this response is consistent across development. Individuals with autism often avoid eye contact, which may lead to difficulties in the areas of communication and language development. Results of his study may help researchers understand this avoidance to better guide assessment and treatment for individuals with autism.
The study involves one 60 minute visit for you and your child(ren). During this visit, we will ask you to complete two checklists about each child’s behavior. Your child(ren) will be asked to look at pictures of facial features on a computer and their body’s reactions will be recorded by electrodes attached to their fingers by Velcro strips. Your child(ren) may also be asked to complete a few simple tasks to learn more about the way they think and learn.
For their participation, your child(ren) will each receive a small toy or a $5 gift card to Walmart, Target, or Best Buy (your choice).
If you are interested in participating, please contact Faye Kim at (443) 923-2932 or email kimf@kennedykrieger.org. If you reach a voicemail message when you call, please leave a message stating that you are interested in the “Autism and Eye Contact” study, along with your contact information.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. We look forward working with you in the near future.
Contact Information: Faye Kim, M.S. (443) 923-2932;
kimf@kennedykrieger.org
Keith Slifer, Ph.D.
Director
Pediatric Psychology Consultation Services, Department of Behavioral
Psychology
Kennedy Krieger Institute