Research Studies

If you are interested in participating in research, please contact:

Sarah Marler, MA, CPA
Program Coordinator
615-936-3288
sarah.marler@vumc.org

 


Autism Research

Adolescent and Adult Study – Autism

 

We are looking for individuals, ages 15-40 years old diagnosed with ASD with or without catatonia.

 

Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with

catatonia in autism, no diagnostic research has attempted to identify biomarkers for catatonia.

This application will use a participant's brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) to target the

primary motor strip with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and determine if hyper-

excitability of the brain directly correlates with symptoms of catatonia and social-emotional

impairment in autism. Completion of this project would result in the first study to associate

hyper-excitability of the brain with catatonia and core features of autism; findings which are

likely to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of autistic individuals.

 

This study consists of a total of 4 visits and no follow-ups:

- Screening Visit

o Review of consent, medical history, current medications, and physical

examinations.

- Testing Visit

o Confirm diagnosis of autism and measure cognitive abilities.

- MRI Visit

o A structural MRI scan which will take approximately 5 minutes.

- TMS Biomarker Procedure:

o Transcranial magnetic stimulation will be administered.

Please contact Seri Lim for more information: seri.lim@vumc.org

 


Adult Study – Autism and Typically Developing

     
 

We are researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and we are currently investigating how autistic individuals perceive and process faces. Study participants will be asked to answer some questions and complete questionnaires during the first in-person session. After that session, you may qualify for further sessions. These will include some computer games, facial and object recognition tasks, and a brain scan using an MRI.

Study participants will be paid $20/hour for all research study appointments and online questionnaires. For participants with ASD, a diagnostic report will also be provided. 


If you participate in the MRI portion of the study, you will also get a picture of your brain!


You may be eligible for this study if you:
● are between the ages of 18 and 40
● have autism OR have a neurotypical developmental history
● are willing to undergo two MRI scans

Please contact Mia Sandoe for more information: ana.m.sandoe.1@vumc.org

                                

Depression Research

No current trials in depression. Please keep checking back and sign up for our newsletter for more updates!

 

Fragile X syndrome Research

No current trials in FXS. Please keep checking back and sign up for our newsletter for more updates!

 

Down syndrome Research

No current trials in Down syndrome. Please keep checking back and sign up for our newsletter for more updates!