At PCOM, we are interested in learning more about the relationship between treatment approaches and behavior in children with autism. Please join our community of families, researchers and providers dedicated to bettering the lives of people with autism and understanding more about this condition.
We are looking for adult caregivers of children/teens with autism (age 19 years or younger) to participate in research studies. Please review the information below to learn more about our current research and to find out how you can participate. Email us at AutismResearch@pcom.edu with any questions.
PCOM is conducting a survey of adult caregivers of children and teens with autism who are using medical marijuana. This three-month, online study is looking at changes in the way youth with autism think and act after using medical marijuana.
To be in this study, you must:
Each survey (2) will take 30-35 minutes to complete. Your answers will be kept private but you will be asked to enter your information so that we can pay you ($50 debit card now and again at three months) and offer you a discount on your medical marijuana at Organic Remedies (the study sponsor) while you are in the study.
Your participation is completely voluntary. You can drop out at any time. At the end of the study, we will send you a summary of the findings.
PCOM IRB# #H22-027
If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete our contact form:
Contact UsPCOM is conducting a survey of adult caregivers of children and teens with autism who are in treatment. This three-month, online study is looking at changes in the way youth with autism think and act.
To be in this study, you must:
Each survey (2) will take 30-35 minutes to complete. You will be asked to enter your information so that we can pay you ($50 debit card now and again at three months).
PCOM IRB# H23-016
If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete our contact form:
Contact UsAutism is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts how people socialize, communicate, learn and behave. Typically, autism is associated with difficulties in social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior.
Social communication differences may include how a person connects with others, how they understand friendships and relationships, and how they interpret and respond to social cues or body language. Restricted and repetitive differences may include how an individual processes information, adheres to a routine, responds to sensory input or copes with change. However, the characteristics of autism and the degree that it impacts a person's life can vary.
Often, autism is first recognized in young children, although recent advances in understanding autism have led to adults receiving their diagnosis later in life. About one in 36 children were identified with autism according to a 2023 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suggesting an increase in rates of autism from previous years. Although autism has likely always existed, within the past 20 years or so, researchers have sought to better recognize and understand autism, what it means and how it impacts people's lives.
The word “neurodiversity” is used to describe the different ways people's brains learn and process information, influencing the way they interact with the world around them. These differences are not considered deficits, and for many neurodiverse people, their individuality may be regarded as a strength. Neurodiversity can describe anyone but is commonly associated with conditions such as Autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
The neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement aiming to increase acceptance and understanding of neurological differences. Through this movement, the language used to describe neurodiverse people, efforts for inclusion, and flexibility in accommodations have been challenged in order to reduce stigma and increase quality of life. The autistic community specifically has worked within the neurodiversity movement to increase acceptance of autism as an aspect of a person's identity, focus on a strengths-based understanding of how autism impacts a person, and on recognizing subtle differences in how autism presents in adults, women and people of color.
Signs of autism can be recognized as early as within the first year of life, although, for many children, it is not fully recognized until they are about 2-3 years of age. Early signs of autism may include missed developmental milestones, limited eye contact, gestures, joint attention, responding to their name or difficulties with language. As a child grows some of the ways symptoms of autism impact their life may change or may remain the same.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following information about the signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Common social differences experienced by autistic individuals include:
Common behaviors experienced by autistic individuals include:
Other characteristics commonly associated with autism include:
There are a variety of treatments and resources available that seek to support autistic individuals. Behavioral treatments, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) seek to focus on skill building so an individual may gain activities of daily living and adaptive behaviors. Developmental treatments such as physical, occupational or speech therapy aim to support a child in achieving missed milestones. Individual and family therapy may be beneficial in reducing any co-occurring anxiety, depression, coping with change, or increasing attachment between family members. Additionally, some medications are utilized by psychiatrists to support an individual in increasing attention, regulating mood or reducing self-harming behaviors. Finally, social skills instruction and groups are beneficial in supporting an individual to feel more confident and comfortable interacting in social situations.
Families looking to learn more about autism, or wish to gather more resources and support are encouraged to check out the following resources.
Resources highlighting autistic voices:
Resource networks in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia:
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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