Note to Researchers: Research opportunity submissions are temporarily paused through July. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to check back at the end of summer.
Looking to help advance the future of autism research? Studies at the cutting edge of improving the quality of life for autistic people are happening right now — and these studies would be nowhere without participants.
Here, you will find opportunities to get involved in research studies. Browse through the opportunities to find the ones that are looking for someone like you or your child.
Research studies funded by OAR’s Applied Research Competition or Graduate Research Grant Competition will be denoted with a sun icon 
Please note that OAR staff is not directly involved with any of the studies; for any questions, please contact the researchers directly.
Money Management
FiSCAL Money Management Study
Researchers
Dr. Rebecca Allen, Kayla Bird, Zoe Geisser, Miles Abney, & Phoebe Voumard
Institution
University of Alabama
Who can participate
Autistic adults (19 or older) AND Caregivers of an autistic adult (50 or older) (dyads are prefered but not necessary)
Location
Description
The FiSCAL-ASD project is interested in talking with adults with autism and parents/caregivers who are over the age of 50. It is often challenging for families to talk about money matters when everyone is an adult, yet family members frequently rely on each other for financial assistance over time. We would love to talk with both groups, autistic adults and parents/caregivers of autistic adults (50+), about how these conversations go.
Parents often worry about adult children with autism, and autistic adults may worry about their aging parents. Come talk with us so we can better understand how money matters, and stress that may come from them, are discussed in adult families with autism.
Contact
Please contact mcabney1@crimson.ua.edu to learn more about how to get involved.
Deadline
May 30, 2026
Examining Behavioral Sleep Interventions for Children
An Examination of the Feasibility of a Brief Behavioral Sleep Intervention for Children with ASD
Researchers
Lesley Shawler, PhD, BCBA and Jessica Hinojosa
Institution
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Who can participate
Participants must be residents of Illinois
Location
Description
My name is Jessica Hinojosa, and I am a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology department at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale conducting a research study about healthy sleep habits in children. Thank you for expressing interest in our study! The purpose of this study is to explore a brief sleep intervention for children and adolescents that have been diagnosed with or are currently being evaluated for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study is open to parents and children ages 4-15 with ASD or children currently being evaluated for ASD who have some concerns about their child’s sleep. Families must be located in Illinois.
If eligible, participation involves the following:
1. Online questionnaires to be completed by you and your child (if they are at least at an 8-year-old developmental level) (estimated to take 20-30 minutes).
2. A 5-10 minute information session via Zoom.
3. Online questionnaires completed 10 days after the information session (estimated to take 20-30 minutes)
4. Online questionnaires completed 1 month after the information session (estimated to take 20-30 minutes)
5. Online daily sleep diaries for 17 days (estimated to take 1-2 minutes per day).
To thank you for participating, you will be compensated with a $40 Walmart gift card.
If you are interested, please click the following link to complete the screening questionnaire
Contact
Any further questions about this study can be directed to Jessica Hinojosa, at jessica.hinojosa@siu.edu or to the supervising professor, Dr. Lesley Shawler, School of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Email: lesley.shawler@siu.edu; Phone (618) 453-7130
Deadline
May 31, 2026
AI-Based Hiring Through Mock Interviews
Understanding AI-Based Hiring Through Mock Job Interviews
Researchers
Trista (Yang) Cao, Vaishnav Kameswaran, Hal Daume III, and Yu Hou
Institution
University of Maryland, College Park
Who can participate
- Over the age of 18
- Identified as autistic
- Have at least one prior experience with hiring (e.g. interviewed for a job position)
Location
Description
With the development of AI, automated video interviews have become more widely used by companies. However, the representations of people with disabilities are usually missing when developers build powerful AIs, so hiring systems can be further biased against people with disabilities.
In this study, we aim to understand how people with disabilities might be perceived differently in those automated AI hiring systems. We will conduct mock interviews with people with disabilities and evaluate the system behaviors on the videos we collect. We hope our findings will help both the technical community to be aware of potential fairness issues and the accessibility community to understand more about the black-box AI tools.
To approach this, mock interviews will be conducted via Zoom mimicking automated video hiring platforms. The interviews will also be video recorded for analysis. The whole session is expected to take approximately 50-60 minutes to complete. Participants with a valid US address will receive a $50 gift card as compensation
Contact
If you are interested, please email houyu@umd.edu.
Deadline
May 31, 2026
Stress in Parents of Children: English Learners vs. Non-English Learners
A Comparative Study of Stress in Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): English Learners vs. Non-English Learners
Researchers
Evelin Llamas & Dr. Donita Grissom
Institution
University of Central Florida
Who can participate
Participants must be 18 years of age or older and English language learners and non-English language learners’ parents who have children with ASD.
Location
Remotely
Description
We are seeking participants for the following research: A comparative study of stress in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): English learners vs. non-English learners. The purpose of this study is to learn about the levels of stress experienced by caregivers of children with ASD. Furthermore, this study will investigate if there a difference in stress levels between ELs and non-ELs caregivers with children with ASD, and if there a difference in stress levels of caregivers of children with ASD based on their self-reported English proficiency levels. The result of this research will be used to understand and support caregivers of children with ASD.
Contact
If you are interested, please email evelin.llamas@ucf.edu.
Deadline
May 31, 2026
Comparing Mental Health Therapies Among Autistic Adults
A Study Comparing Two Mental Health Therapies Among Autistic Adults
Researchers
Micah Mazurek, Laura Klinger, and Emily Fuhrmann
Institution
University of Virginia
Who can participate
- Autistic adults (18+)
- Live in Virginia
- Are dealing with symptoms of depression or anxiety
Location
Description
?Seeking Autistic Adults for No-Cost Therapy Program! ?
Are you:
Autistic and experiencing depression and/or anxiety?
At least 18 years of age?
Currently living in Virginia?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study that compares two telehealth therapy programs. If eligible, you will receive virtual therapy provided by a Virginia-based therapist.
Contact
If you are interested, please email aaset-mhtp@med.unc.edu. You may also call us by phone at (919) 843-7850. A study member will be available on Mondays from 12-1 PM ET and Tuesdays from 4-6 PM ET. If a study member is not available at the time of your call, you may leave a voicemail and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
Deadline
June 01, 2026
Symbols For All - Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Children with Complex Communication Needs. International Caregiver Survey
Symbols For All – Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Children with Complex Communication Needs. International Caregiver Survey
Researchers
Toby M. Long
Institution
Georgetown University
Who can participate
Parents or primary caregivers (18+) of children with complex communication needs
Location
Description
Parents and caregivers needed for research study
This study is led by Principal Investigator Professor Toby M. Long (Georgetown University) and conducted by Serena Pessolano, Visiting Scholar (Sponsored University Associate). It invites parents or primary caregivers (18 years or older) of children with complex communication needs to participate in an anonymous online survey.
Study Title: “Symbols for all – Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Children with Complex Communication Needs. International Caregiver Survey.”
The survey takes about 15–20 minutes and asks about communication experiences across home, school, therapy, and community settings.
Participation is anonymous. The optional follow-up interview is not anonymous but will remain confidential. If you choose to be contacted for a 20–30 minute follow-up interview, your email will be collected in a separate form, will not be linked to your survey responses, and will be deleted after the interview is completed or if you decide not to participate.
Contact
For more information, contact:
Serena Pessolano
sp2027@georgetown.edu
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Brain and Reading Enhancement in ASD
Brain and Reading Enhancement in Autism Spectrum Disorder (BrainREAD)
Researchers
Rajesh Kana
Institution
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Who can participate
Autistic children aged 7-13
Location
Description
A large number of children with autism read at average or above average levels but comprehend at a level below their reading. These children are often not identified in classrooms as needing any special support in reading through the individualized education program (IEP), although in reality they need help with comprehension. BrainREAD (Brain and Reading Enhancement in Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a federally-funded study that tests the efficacy of a rigorous reading intervention on reading comprehension and brain responses in autistic and non-autistic children with comprehension difficulties. Participants will receive a free of cost reading intervention [Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V) for Language Comprehension and Thinking] through Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. In our previous studies, we have found significant success with this intervention, and we are now extending the application of our science.
We are recruiting children with autism (ages 7-13 years) who have strong reading fluency and accuracy skills (ability to read at age level with minimal errors), but difficulties in reading comprehension.
Contact
Those interested in or who have questions about the study should contact the team at (205) 202-0616 or CAS-cbalab@uab.edu.
Deadline
August 01, 2026
Diet, Activity, and Sensory Needs for Autistic Adults
The Wellness Puzzle: Putting Together Diet, Activity, and Sensory Needs for Autistic Adults
Researchers
Dr. Rebecca Martínez, Dr. Derek Nord, Alison Hartong, Taylor Underwood Towery, Chloe Maginity, Jessica Wolf, and Yunhao Gu
Institution
Indiana University Bloomington
Who can participate
Adults aged 18 years and older Score above the cutoff on the AQ-10 (included in our survey) Fluent in English Can independently provide consent to engage in the study.
Location
Description
My name is Yunhao Gu, and I am part of a research team led by Dr. Rebecca Martínez at Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Education. We are conducting a study titled “The Wellness Puzzle: Putting Together Diet, Activity, and Sensory Needs for Autistic Adults”
The purpose of this study is to explore factors that influence physical wellness, including diet and exercise, among autistic adults. Our goal is to identify barriers and predictors that could guide the development of tailored programs to support healthier living for this population.
We are reaching out to invite your organization to collaborate with us by helping to share this study with your community. Participation involves completing an online survey, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. The survey is entirely anonymous, and no personally identifiable information will be collected.
Contact
Those interested in or who have questions about the study should contact the team at yg27@iu.edu.
Deadline
August 07, 2026
Predicting Sleep in Autism
Predicting Sleep in Autism
Researchers
Briana Taylor
Institution
Northeastern University
Who can participate
Autistic children, ages 10-16, lives with a primary caregiver at least 75% of the time, struggles with sleep.
Location
Description
Are you the parent of an autistic child?
The CSS lab at the Northeastern University’s Roux Institute is looking for participants for a paid study to understand how circadian rhythms and sleep change across the transition into and across adolescence in youth on the autism spectrum and understand daytime behaviors and emotional states that may contribute to sleep problems. This study involved you (the guardian) reporting your child’s behaviors as well as your child wearing a Fitbit.
What will my involvement look like?
All study activities will take place from your own location and will not require you to travel to a different location. We think you and your child will be in the study for 12 months. Your involvement will include a set of online questionnaires which will take approximately 40 minutes. Wearing the Fitbit can be done either continuously across the 12 months or for at least one week at the beginning of the study and then every month afterward for approximately 11 weeks. We will ask you to report on your child’s daily behaviors using a mobile application called MetricWire twice a day for 7 days, once at baseline and every month afterward for a total of 12 reports. We estimate that reporting behavior will take approximately 3-5 minutes per daily report (e.g., 21-35 minutes per week) for a total of approximately 4-6 hours across the 12-month study.
If your child participates in the optional self-report component, we will ask them to complete a set of online questionnaires which will take approximately 40 minutes. We will also ask them to report on their mood and alertness 3 times per day, for 7 days, once at baselines and every month afterward for a total of 12 reports. We estimate that child self-reporting will take approximately 2-3 minutes per day (e.g., 14-21 minutes per week) for a total of approximately 3-4 hours across the 12-month study
There are minimal risks associated with this study, including your child being uncomfortable wearing the Fitbit and potential breaches of confidentiality. We will do our best to minimize these risks as much as possible to protect your safety and confidentiality.
Will I be paid for my participation?
Yes! The total possible renumeration is $400 plus a Fitbit (approx. value $160) over the course of your 12-month participation.
Contact
Questions? Email: Br.Taylor@Northeastern.edu.
Deadline
September 01, 2026
Developing a Support for Healthcare Delivery to Autistic Patients
Development of an Autism Resource Cart to Support Healthcare Delivery to Autistic Patients
Researchers
Christina Simmons, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Institution
Rowan University
Who can participate
(1) autistic adults, (2) autistic children ages 5-17 with an autism diagnosis/educational eligibility of autism, (3) caregivers of autistic individuals, and (4) registered nurses.
Location
In-person (Glassboro, New Jersey)
Description
Are you a registered nurse, autistic individual, or caregiver of an autistic individual interested in helping improve healthcare experiences for autistic patients?
This study evaluates materials for an autism resource cart designed to support autistic individuals across the lifespan during healthcare appointments. Potential benefits of this important research study include improving healthcare experiences and accessibility for autistic individuals.
We’re looking for (1) autistic adults, (2) autistic children ages 5-17, (3) caregivers of autistic individuals, and (4) registered nurses interested in helping create this resource cart. Participation in this research study involves a single session at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ lasting about 1-2 hours for adults and 45–60 minutes for children. Participants will provide feedback on specific materials and help shape a tool to improve healthcare experiences for autistic patients. Compensation for participation in this study will be a $75 virtual gift card. If the participant is a Rowan University student, they may be eligible to earn research participation credits in an introductory psychology course for their participation.
If you are over the age of 18 (or a parent of a potential child participant) and interested in participating, please complete the form by clicking on the link here and a member of the research team will be in contact to provide more information about the research study, what is expected of you, and how to sign up.
Contact
If have any questions about this research study, please contact Dr. Christina Simmons at simmonsc@rowan.edu or Bronte Reidinger at reidin44@students.rowan.edu.
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Organizational Hiring Signals and Symbolic Ableism
Executive Orders: Organizational Hiring Signals and Symbolic Ableism
Researchers
Eduardo Velazco
Institution
St. Mary’s University
Who can participate
Individuals ages above 18, individuals with ASD, families, and employment/career development professionals
Location
Description
The purpose of this study is to understand how individuals develop candidate impressions with Autism Spectrum Disorder during interviews. Participants will take an attitude questionnaire, watch an interview video, and answer questions about their impressions of the candidate, and make workplace decisions. Participation will take approximately 15–20 minutes. There are no anticipated risks beyond those encountered in daily life. Your responses will contribute to research on how people evaluate interview candidates based on workplace policies and attitudes.
Contact
If have any questions about this research study, please contact the team at evelazco@mail.stmarytx.edu .
Deadline
November 16, 2026
Emotions Through Artistic Expressions of Stimming
Exploring Emotions Through Art: Expressions of Perception and Experiences of Stimming from the Autistic Perspective.
Researchers
Jesica Bates, Ben VanHook, Becca Lory Hector, Crius Paulus, and more.
Institution
Louisiana State University
Who can participate
Autistic Adults (18+) using any communication modality.
Location
Description
The CARES Team is opening the Call For Proposals for visual art and expression via stimming. See attached flyer for information. We are studying artistic expressions of stimming from the autistic perspective. We’re looking for participants to complete a brief online survey. We welcome any interested person to visit our website for more details on collaboration, participation, and networking with The CARES Team and our online community spaces.
Thank you,
Jesica and The CARES Team
Contact
Please reach out with any questions at jsykes8@lsu.edu
Deadline
December 31, 2026
Promoting Early Intervention Timing and Attention to Language
Promoting Early Intervention Timing and Attention to Language (PETAL) Study
Researchers
Connie Kasari (University of California, Los Angeles), Helen Tager-Flusberg (Boston University), and Sarabeth Broder-Fingert (UMass Chan Medical School)
Institution
UMass Chan Medical School
Who can participate
Infants, ages 0-10 months old, who have at least one sibling with autism.
Location
Description
Do you have a child with autism and a baby under 9 months old? Learn more about our PETAL Study for babies who have siblings with autism!
The goal of this study is to guide families on how to support and promote their baby’s language development. It starts when your baby is 6-9 months old and involves home visits and support via Zoom until they turn 2 years old. You would be compensated up to $240.
Please use this link to complete our screening form, and a member of our team will reach out here
Contact
For more information, contact us at PETALStudy@umassmed.edu or (774) 479-6025
Deadline
December 31, 2026
Training to Understand Emotions and Interactions
TUNE In: Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions
Researchers
Dr Edward S. Brodkin and Emily Colon
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Who can participate
- Aged 18 years or older.
- Have a diagnosis of ASD from a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or other mental health/medical professional.
- Do not have a history of intellectual disability.
- Can attend weekly sessions for this 13-week program.
Location
Description
WHAT IS TUNE IN?
- TUNE In is a social skills program for autistic adults.
- TUNE In is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (involving greater understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) and mindfulness-based practices (involving greater awareness of yourself and others).
- The TUNE In curriculum covers skills such as remaining relaxed and aware during social interactions, noticing and understanding social cues, and deciding how to interact with others in a way that feels authentic to who you are.
- TUNE In does not encourage “masking” or “camouflaging” of autistic traits during social interaction.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS RESEARCH STUDY?
The goal of this study is to determine if TUNE In is effective in supporting social functioning in adults on the autism spectrum.
WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO DO?
You will be asked to participate in interviews and fill out questionnaires to assess autism symptoms, social understanding, and social skills. If you are found to be eligible for the study, you will be randomly selected to participate in a seasonal session of TUNE In. TUNE In is run like a small class (approximately 4 – 6 participants and 1 – 2 facilitators per group) during which there is group discussion, as well as mindfulness and conversation exercises. TUNE In sessions will occur in person or online via teleconferencing software, depending on your preferences. The whole study, from applying to participating in the group to filling out the final questionnaires, will last approximately 9 months.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY?
It is possible that participation in this study may improve your comfort and skill in many types of social situations. You will be compensated between $100-$125 across the study.
Contact
Interested in joining Tune In? Click here.
Deadline
December 31, 2026
How Do Kids With Autism See Faces?
How Do Kids With Autism See Faces?
Researchers
Dr. Leslie Carver and Anna Pusok
Institution
University of California, San Diego
Who can participate
Children previously diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ages 4-8
Location
Description
Faces play an important role in social communication. To interact successfully with others, children need to recognize and tell people’s faces apart. In this study, we are interested in how children with autism spectrum disorder perceive faces. We hope to learn more about how face perception develops in kids with autism and how it supports children’s social understanding and communication.
This study is asynchronous and conducted through Children Helping Science! It takes about 15 minutes to complete and families get a $5 Amazon gift card for participating.
Contact
If you are interested in the study, please reach out to the team at annapusok@ucsd.edu.
Deadline
January 31, 2027
Who Should We Invite To Our Playdate?
Who Should We Invite To Our Playdate?
Researchers
Anna Pusok & Dr. Leslie Carver
Institution
University of California, San Diego
Who can participate
Verbal, English-speaking autistic children, ages 3-6
Location
Remotely (Zoom)
Description
In this paid study, your child will meet a friendly puppet who introduces their animal puppet friends. Each puppet promises to show your child a cool toy — sometimes, they bring one, and sometimes they don’t!
When this happens, the puppets give explanations of what happened. After watching, your child will be asked to share their thoughts about what happened and which puppets they liked.
Participants receive $10 Amazon gift card!
Contact
If you are interested in the study, please reach out to the team at annapusok@ucsd.edu.
Deadline
February 28, 2027
Practices for Responsive Expression Via Strategic Supports
Examining Practices for Responsive Expression Via Strategic Supports (EXPRESS)
Researchers
Erika Frick
Institution
Drexel University
Who can participate
Caregivers of non-speaking or minimally speaking autistic individuals aged 8 or older
Location
Description
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute is recruiting for the EXPRESS study!
Do you support a non-speaking or minimally speaking autistic individual aged 8 or older? If your answer is YES, you are eligible!
This is a fully online survey designed to understand the experiences of those using a range of communication supports and strategies to help autistic people communicate.
The survey will only take you 15 – 20 minutes to complete!
Contact
If you are interested in the study, please reach out to the team at ef563@drexel.edu.
Deadline
June 01, 2027
Assessing Anxiety in Adolescents
Assessing Anxiety in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADORA Study)
Researchers
Dr. Stephen B. Thomas and Heather Yarger
Institution
University of Maryland
Who can participate
Autistic adolescents, aged 11-14 years old
Location
In-Person (College Park, MD)
Description
Our study explores the physiological aspects of anxiety in nonautistic and autistic adolescents through the collection of heart rate and breathing. Participating may help advance our ability to identify anxiety and refine anxiety interventions.
Our study involves your child doing some activities with our researchers at the University of Maryland (College Park) including learning how to wear a heart rate band, your child receiving text messages about their recent social interactions for 5 days while also wearing the heart rate band for 5 hours each of those days, and for our autistic participants an additional parent interview about your child.
Contact
If you are interested or for more information, please email adora@umd.edu. You can find more information about our study and the heart rate band at: go.umd.edu/adora
Deadline
7/30/2027
Recruit Participants
We are not accepting new research opportunity submissions at this time. Please check again soon.
