Research and Training

Research

Researchers are looking for causes of and possible treatments for ASDs and

other disabilities. These studies are going on in Utah and around the nation. Since

no one knows for sure what causes ASDs or what are the best treatments for these

conditions, these studies are very important.

 

One kind of study uses information that has already been collected about people who

have ASDs or other disabilities. These studies are known as epidemiological studies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sponsoring a national

network of large epidemiological studies looking at children with ASDs. URADD was

part of this national network. More information about these studies and other

studies sponsored by the federal government can be found at the CDC’s Autism

Information Center http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddautism.htm

 

There is another kind of study done by health care providers

who are looking at either possible causes of ASDs or possible

treatments for ASDs. These studies are known as clinical

studies. Researchers need people who have an ASD and/or

their families to be part of these studies. Taking part in a

study can sometimes be helpful for families. However,

people who have an ASD or their families should look very

carefully at any research study before they agree to take

part in it.

 

Some questions you may want to ask before agreeing to take

part in any clinical study include:

 

• Who is doing this study?

• Are the people doing this study part of a respected organization?

• What will I have to do to be part of this study?

• What are the risks involved with being part of the study? Do I understand these

possible risks? Do I understand what the people doing this study will do to protect me

from these risks as much as possible?

• How will the people doing this study share the results of the study with others?

• Will I get information about the results from the study?

• How will the people doing this study protect my privacy (or that of my child or family)

when they share the results of the study with other people?

• Will we receive any money or other services for being part of the study?

 

If you are not sure about the answers to one or more of the questions listed above,

you should ask the people who are doing the study about your concerns.