Young female research participants needed for pubertal development study

Significant physical, psychological, hormonal and social changes occur during pubertal development. Adolescence may be uniquely challenging for girls, especially those with autism spectrum disorder.

Principal investigator Blythe Corbett, Ph.D., and the SENSE Lab team are seeking females enrolled at 6, 8, 10 and 12 years of age and followed annually over four years. Participants include girls who are typically developing (TD) and those with confirmed or suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID).

Participants will come to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for an annual visit that includes physical, psychological and social interaction protocol. A diagnostic visit will occur during the first year to confirm or disconfirm ASD, TD or ID eligibility criteria.

Potential benefits to participation include diagnostic confirmation; free annual psychological, psychiatric and physical exams; compensation of up to $100 per year ($400 total); and reimbursement of travel for families living more than 100 miles away.

For more information or to volunteer, call 615-322-4132 or 615-513-9562, or email senselab@vumc.org.