The Koegel Autism Center's primary research goal is to develop and test new autism interventions designed to improve the lives of individuals, parents, and families. Most of our research projects offer support strategies at no cost to participating families. All research participation is voluntary. The center and its researchers has received past funding from state agencies, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, Autism Speaks, Organization for Autism Research, the Autism Science Foundation, as well as private donors.
Do you have an autistic child ages 5-17?
Do they primarily use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) program or device to communicate?
The UCSB Koegel Autism Center is conducting a study exploring the potential benefits of teaching youth to use an AI-enhanced alternative AAC program that provides adaptive response choices based on the current question or topic of conversation, potentially enhancing their ability to more accurately express their needs, desires, opinions, and interests.
Qualifying families will complete a series of video-recorded parent-child and clinician-child video probes before being provided with 15 hours of training over 4-8 weeks in the AI-enhanced AAC program. Families will be compensated $160-$220
Research participation is completely voluntary. Participants and caregivers are able to discontinue at any time without penalty.
Email autism@ucsb.edu to learn more about this opportunity or schedule an intake.
A social interaction group for teens on the autism spectrum. Eligible teens will participate in an online or in-person program that features peer-facilitators, self-tracking of key skills, fun activities, social outings, and weekly interactive lessons. For more information, click the button below.
The Autismo en Confianza Lab, led by Assistant Professor Fernanda Castellón focuses on Latine/x family experiences with autism.
