Investigating Social Competence in Youth with Autism
Researchers at Vanderbilt University are studying the effects of behavior therapy and theatre techniques in children with autism. We invite children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to be a part of our treatment program.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the following treatments. There is no cost for participation in the SENSE Theatre® or Tackling Teenage Training programs.
SENSE Theatre® is a performance-based intervention targeting social skills that includes trained peer actors and theatre techniques.
Tackling Teenage Training is an education program that involves teaching you with ASD about psychological, social, and sexual development
Participating involves research visits before and after the treatment.
- Psychological testing (2 hours)
- Social Interaction (10 minutes)
- Research EEG (1 hour)
- Intervention takes place over 10 sessions on Saturdays or weekday late afternoons.
- Participation in research is necessary to receive the treatment
The SENSE Lab works in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the University School of Nashville.
Participant Criteria:
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder between 10 and 16 years of age
Visit Requirements:
Pre, post, and follow-up visits as well as 10 weeks of intervention.
Contact Us:
- senselab@vumc.org
- (615) 513-9562
Download study information: Investigating Social Competence Flier
Download for information on participating as a Peer Mentor: Peer Mentor Flyer