Social Skills Intervention Study for Teens

11130 Anderson Street, Annex #141, Loma Linda CA

Description

Researchers with the LLU Department of Psychology are conducting studies on social cognition differences in youth between the ages of 12-21 with and without an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). The goal of this project is to better understand the similarities and differences in social cognition across these two populations in terms of their brain and behavior correlates. Ultimately, this knowledge may help us to better understand how treatment interventions can be better informed and tailored to address the unique social challenges experienced by each of these populations. Who qualifies? Youth, ages 12-21, with an ASD or SSD diagnosis. Additionally, we are looking for typically developing controls within the same age range with no history of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders. What is involved? Parents will complete a variety of surveys about their participating family member.  Youth will participate in two non-invasive types of brain scan (MRI), along with behavioral and IQ testing session. In between the two assessment/MRI visits, ASD and SSD participants will undergo a 16-week parent assisted social skills intervention by trained clinicians in the Department of Psychology. Participants will be compensated $25/hr for each of the study visits ($25 per hour). The social skills intervention will be provided at no-cost to all eligible families. Questions? Please contact us via our website at https://naiirlab.weebly.com/contact.html or see my contact info on this post. Hector Gutierrez, B.S. Research Co-ordinator / Analyst Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University