Who can participate in the research studies?
We are recruiting families with a child who is between 7 and 16 years old and has received a diagnosis of autism or an autism spectrum disorder, including pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). We are also recruiting adults with autism, autism spectrum disorder, or Asperger syndrome who are up to 25 years old. People who have metal anywhere in their bodies (such as a pacemaker or metal plate) are not eligible for magnetic imaging studies.

	We are currently recruiting invidividuals for a wide range of research programs. Whether typically developing or developmentaly diagnosed, all types of people can be part of our research.

What are the goals of the research studies?
Our study has three main goals:

• To learn more about the physical structure of the brains of people with autism.
• To learn more about the way the brains of people with autism activate in response to words and pictures.
• To develop innovative techniques for taking informative pictures of the brain.

Who is conducting these research studies?

• Helen Tager-Flusberg, Ph.D. and Robert Joseph, Ph.D. are the lead researchers in the Lab, both with extensive experience in the field of autism research.
• Our project staff includes graduate students and specialists with experience in neuroimaging and psychology.

What will families receive for participating?

• Families who complete the assessments will be compensated for their travel and time and will receive a picture of their child's brain.
• Your participation helps advance our knowledge of brain development for children and adults with autism.

What if my child has difficulty with the testing?

• Children will have a chance to practice with a mock scanner to get used to lying still in a small space.
• The scan may be stopped at any time if the child feels uncomfortable or nervous.
• The project's highly qualified staff will respond to each child's individual needs during the visit in order to ensure that the child and family are comfortable with the imaging process.
• Parents and caregivers are invited to sit in the room with each child during the evaluation and to share ideas and strategies that will help the child relax and remain still.

Where do you conduct the brain imaging studies?

• Our offices are located at the Boston University School of Medicine in the South End of Boston. We are easily accessible by car from Routes 93 & 90 and via public transportation.
• Parents who drive to our offices are reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.
• Arrangements can be made on an individual basis for families who use public transportation.
• Imaging sessions take place at the Center for Biomedical Imaging at 650 Albany Street.

How are the brain imaging studies funded?
There are four grants that support our imaging research. Two of these grants are funded by the National Institutes of Health. One comes from the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, a private foundation that supports autism research, among other funding initiatives. The fourth comes from Autism Speaks, an independent foundation dedicated to furthering research in autism in the hopes of one day finding a cure.