We are proud to be affiliated with the following autism-related research initiatives.

Health, Mental Health, and Education: How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted the Lives of Children with Autism?

Dr. Jennifer Burke Lefever (Faculty Fellow, Autism Studies), Principal Investigator
Graduate Student Co-Investigators: Emily Bednar, Kathleen Brewer, Austin Brooks, Payton Gennett, Alyssa Gutierrez, Emily Jezek, Meghan Martin, Madyson Moyer, Lucero Varela Zavala, Kelsie Verhoeve, Megan Wilcoxon

This study examines ways in which the pandemic is affecting children on the spectrum and their families, with special attention to health, mental health, and education. Parents of children between the ages of 8 and 17 who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are invited to complete this 45 minute survey to help us gain insight into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these people's lives. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Burke Lefever.

ND-SPARC Project

Dr. Joshua John Diehl (Faculty Fellow, Autism Studies), Principal Investigator
Dr. E. Mark Cummings (University of Notre Dame), Principal Investigator 

Funded by a $3.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, the ND-SPARC Project is a program designed to support effective communication and strengthen relationships in families that include a child with an intellectual or developmental disability. Autism studies students interested in research opportunities with the ND-SPARC Project should contact Dr. Diehl. The ND-SPARC Project is also actively recruiting families to participate in the program. For more information, visit the ND-SPARC Project website.