Current Research Projects and Opportunties

 

Virginia Tech Autism Clinic (VTAC):

 

SPEAC - The Study of Parent Emotions and Autism in Children

We are interested in both mothers and fathers (biological, adopted, or step) completing the survey about their child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  We are attempting to unravel the relationships among emotions and behaviors that occur between parents and their children.

Please distribute this flier to anyone who is interested.  If you can post the link to any of your organization's web pages, we would also appreciate that.

SPEAC (The Study of Parent Emotions and Autism in Children) is being conducted by the VT Autism Clinic, directed by Dr. Angela Scarpa of the Psychology Department at Virginia Tech.  Parents can often be overwhelmed at raising children with special needs, and are often concerned about how their mood affects their child.  This project looks at the complex relationship between parental emotions and the behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Fathers and mothers (of children with ASD between ages 3-16 years) will be asked to complete questionnaires related to mood, stress, and their child’s behaviors.  Total time for the study will not exceed 45 minutes, and can be completed at your convenience.  We are interested in both parents completing the questionnaires.  To participate in this online anonymous survey, go to https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1190746921442

For more information, you may contact Angela Scarpa at 540-231-2053, or email me at autism@vt.edu.

Thank you!
Angela

 

Psychosocial Interventions Lab at Virginia Tech:

 

Social Skills Intervention

We are conducting a research project to study how helpful a new treatment program can be for children and teenagers who have an autism spectrum disorder and also have problems with feeling anxious or worried.  The program is designed to promote social skills in the children as well as decrease feelings of anxiety, especially in social situations.  We are currently recruiting individuals with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger’s Disorder or PDD-NOS from the ages 12 to 17.  This study is funded by a K01 award granted from the NIMH.

 

For more information please contact the Pyschosocial Interventions Lab by phone (540) 231-6744, by e-mail psyc.soc.interventions@gmail.com, or visit our website.

Research Papers/Posters/Presentations

2008

A Report of Survey Findings: Assessing the Needs of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Virginia

Research Article: The importance of physician knowledge of autism spectrum disorder: results of a parent survey

 

Spring/Summer 2008, Volume 4, Issue 1 - Raising awareness through early screening: A
partnership between the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and Carilion Pediatric Clinic

2007

Fall/Winter 2007, Volume 3, Issue 1 - The effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
intervention for anger and anxiety management in children with Asperger Syndrome

2006

December 2006, Volume 2, Issue 3 - The Feasibility of Pivotal Response Training for Improving Joint Attention in Children with Autism.

 

October 2006, Volume 2, Issue 2 - Benefits of omega-3 supplementation: Effects on aggressive behavior and implications for autism spectrum disorders

 

March 2006, Volume 2, Issue 1 - Assessing the Needs of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Virginia: Report of a Parent Survey

2005

December 2005, Volume 1, Issue 1 - A Brief review of Casein and Gluten Free Diets as an Intervention for Autism