The FAR Lab

Research in the FAR Lab focuses on contextual aspects of autism across the life course, such as family relationships, friendships, and social and community participation, especially during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Current research is focused on understanding the lives of autistic adults and adults with Down syndrome, especially how to support families over the transition into and through adulthood, and how to promote greater autonomy in daily life.

Recently completed studies have been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute for Education Sciences. These studies focused on engaging siblings of autistic adults to work with their families to plan for the future, and understanding the factors associated with wellbeing in the lives of autistic youth over the transition to adulthood.

Lab Director
Gael Orsmond, PhD
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College
635 Commonwealth Ave. | Boston, MA 02215 | gorsmond@bu.edu