Autism Research Research Study
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are conducting a study to better understand how sensory observations are combined with one another (e.g., auditory and visual signals), or with prior knowledge, to form a cohesive understanding of the world around us.
Fast Facts
Ages 12-36
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Compensation Provided
Minneapolis, MN
Study Background
The study is being conducted in order to further understand how we perceive the world, and if and how this may be different in individuals on the autism spectrum. We hope to further understand sensory processing differences in autism.
We will measure tiny fluctuations in voltage on the scalp of individuals perceiving simple auditory or visual stimuli (“electroencephalography”). This occurs naturally in everyone and is not painful. Participants will be asked to make judgments as to the temporal order between auditory and visual events or the localization of these events.
Further, they will play a brief game in virtual reality where they have to ‘catch’ a moving target, and finally they will be asked to detect a faint visual stimuli as fast as possible.
We will try to keep it as fun as possible!
Study Background
The study is being conducted in order to further understand how we perceive the world, and if and how this may be different in individuals on the autism spectrum. We hope to further understand sensory processing differences in autism.
We will measure tiny fluctuations in voltage on the scalp of individuals perceiving simple auditory or visual stimuli (“electroencephalography”). This occurs naturally in everyone and is not painful. Participants will be asked to make judgments as to the temporal order between auditory and visual events or the localization of these events.
Further, they will play a brief game in virtual reality where they have to ‘catch’ a moving target, and finally they will be asked to detect a faint visual stimuli as fast as possible.
We will try to keep it as fun as possible!
Additional Information
The study is being conducted in order to further understand how we perceive the world, and if and how this may be different in individuals on the autism spectrum.
You may qualify for the study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 12-36
- Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
- Able to remain seated and focused, making decisions about simple tasks or stimuli for at least 10 minutes at a time
- No history of epilepsy
You will be asked to:
- Participants will be asked to make decisions about simply visual and auditory stimuli as they wear an EEG cap.
- Participants are welcome to come for as little as 1 visit of 2 hours, or as much as 4 separate visits, each of 2 hours.
- All studies will be conducted in person.
Participants can earn up to $300. We will compensate participants with $30/hour, which is $60 per visit. If participants come for all 4 sessions, we will additionally give them an extra $60.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study. In addition, there is dedicated and free parking.
