How to Participate in our Autism Research Studies

We invite you to participate in our research.A collage of various children and researchers in lab settings

We seek to make meaningful, lasting impacts for autistic individuals and their families throughout the lifespan and play a pivotal role in reducing global healthcare inequities.To advance understanding of child development, it is important that we work with a many different people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including individuals who are not autistic.

Our participants partner with us to advance understanding of autism and child development. We invite you to be a part of our research family. Individuals who are not on the autism spectrum are welcomed, too!

Join our Duke Autism Research Registry

Our autism research studies:

  • Help create more accurate and scalable methods of early detection
  • Improve ways of disseminating interventions globally
  • Test novel interventions
  • Aim to reduce disparities in access to screening, diagnosis, and services

We are proud to be designated an Autism Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health, a distinction given to only a handful of US research universities.

Many study visits can be done remotely. Compensation is provided.


Frequently Asked Questions 

If you are interested in our research, please contact autismresearch@dm.duke.edu . Your participation in research is an invaluable service to the the broader autism community. We are conducting studies appropriate for individuals of all ages, from infants through adults, including individuals with and without autism. Below are some common questions that we receive about participating in research at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development.

What does it mean to participate in research?

Participating in a research study can mean a lot of different things--our studies are varied. For most studies, it involves you and/or your children coming to one of our family-friendly research labs and completing various cognitive and behavioral assessments. Assessments can include diagnostic tests, cognitive assessment, and measures of attention and brain function. Be assured that before you enroll for any study, research staff will inform you of all the study-specific protocol and requirements. All research at Duke is completely voluntary and you always have the right to withdraw at any point during a study.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Most of our research studies do include compensation for your time and efforts. Travel expenses and parking are also typically covered. Compensation varies by study and is usually commensurate with the amount of time the study requires.

Are there benefits associated with participating in research?

Most studies offer a gold standard diagnostic assessment at no cost that you take with you when you go. Many studies also offer other cognitive and behavioral assessment reports that you can take with you to your care providers.  In addition, we offer referral information to participants, helping to connect them with services at Duke or in the community.  

If I/my children do not have autism, do you still need us to participate?

Yes! Our studies involve a diverse range of participants, including people with and without autism. Anyone who is interested in helping further our research efforts can partner with us.

How do I get started?

The best way to get involved is to sign up for our research registry.

Learn more about our Duke Autism Research Registry here. 

 

Participate in Research

Our participants partner with us to advance understanding of autism and child development. We invite you to be a part of our diverse research family. Individuals who are not on the spectrum are welcomed, too! Many study visits can be done remotely and offer compensation.

Join our Duke Autism Research Registry