Usability and Likeability of a Virtual Environment for Social Information Processing Tool

Researchers at Rush NeuroBehavioral Center are looking for children who like to play video or computer games to participate in a research study investigating the usability of a new computer-based and game-like social-emotional learning assessment tool!

 

Who is eligible?

Currently recruiting children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder

who are between the ages of 8–14 years old may be eligible to participate.

 

How long does it take?

Participation takes less than 2 hours and in some cases, only 30 minutes!

 

What does it include?

The study includes the completion of a brief computer-automated task that investigates

how your child thinks and acts in a specific social situation. We will also ask your child

some questions about how much he or she understood and liked the task.

 

Where does it take place?

Optional locations in Skokie, Chicago, and Hoffman Estates are available for testing.

We can also arrange to come to your child’s school or home.

 

What’s it cost?

There’s no cost to participate!

 

How do I get my child enrolled?

To learn more and to see if your child qualifies for this research study, please contact:

Nicole Russo, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator & Study Coordinator

847–763-7927

Rush University Medical CenterRush NeuroBehavioral Center4711 W. Golf Road, Suite

1100, Skokie, IL 60076

RNBC_Research@rush.edu

 ORA: 11011406-IRB01

Date IRB Approved: 2/26/2011

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IS YOUR CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER and DOES YOUR CHILD STRUGGLE TO READ EMOTION FROM FACIAL EXPRESSIONS?

The Rush Neurobehavioral Center (Skokie, IL), under the direction of co-Principal Investigators Nicole Russo, Ph.D. and Bernadette Evans-Smith, Ph.D., is conducting a research study investigating the efficacy of a coach– and computer-assisted intervention to train children with autism spectrum disorders to more quickly and accurately recognize emotions from facial expressions. We expect that the application of the results of this study will impact the development of intervention programs for a wide range of children with difficulties in these areas.

 

If your child meets the following criteria, s/he may be eligible for the research study:

·         Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis

·         Between the ages of 8–14 years old

·         Average or above average intellectual functioning

·         Experiences difficulty with recognizing emotion from facial expressions

What does the study involve?

·         Telephone pre-screening parent interview

·         The first appointment includes a parent interview and screening assessment of your child’s ability to perceive nonverbal cues from facial expressions (approx. 3 hrs)

·         Twice weekly training sessions (up to 1 hr/session) for up to 8 weeks

·         Immediate post assessment and follow up 4–6 weeks after completion

·         Completion of questionnaires regarding your child’s social and emotional learning skills

·         No fee for assessment or intervention

·         Feedback for parents

To learn more and to see if your child qualifies for this research study, please contact:

Jason Johnson, B.S.

Study Coordinator

847–763-7988

Rush University Medical Center

Rush NeuroBehavioral Center

4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 1100, Skokie, IL 60076

RNBC_Research@rush.edu

Rnbc.org

ORA: 09112201-IRB01

Date IRB Approved: 5/23/2011 Amendment Date: 9/26/2011