Studies Related to Foster parents and children current as of Friday, March 24, 2023
Click on the study title below to receive contact information, brochures and more in-depth information.

Autism and Language Development in Toddlers
Looking For:
Children 18-36 months of age with autism or with concerns about their social interaction or language development or children 12-36 months without autism.
Compensation:
Yes

Autism Sensory Study
Looking For:
You may quality if you (or your child) are: between 8-60 years old; have or do not have a diagnosis of autism; able and willing to reliably follow verbal instructions in the laboratory
Compensation:
Participants will be paid $15 an hour and will also receive a $25 bonus for completion of all questionnaires.

Do you have concerns about your toddler’s social or language development?
Looking For:
Children 12-36 months of age with autism or with concerns about their social interaction or language development.
Compensation:
Yes

Does your child show challenging behavior?
Looking For:
Children ages 10-15 who have diagnoses like autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability. We are also seeking children without a diagnosis who may get upset or aggressive (hitting, yelling) when they are frustrated.
Compensation:
Families will be given a $100 Amazon gift card for participating.

Does your daughter or son with disabilities have a paid job? Would you share your experiences and advice with another parent?
Looking For:
Live in Middle TN, be at least 18 years old, and have a family member with intellectual disability or autism who has a paid job (or was recently employed).
Compensation:
Parents will receive $350 for serving as a mentor and completing all project measures.

Help us create future research activities focused on improving health outcomes for people with disabilities
Looking For:
People ages 18 or older on the autism spectrum, with Down syndrome, or with IDD. Caregivers, clinicians, and/or researchers working with a person with autism, Down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
Compensation:
You will be compensated for your time.

Help us discover how Deaf and hard of hearing children learn to read!
Looking For:
d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children ages 10-16 years old who use sign language and/or oral language, or both. No cochlear implants due to use of the MRI.
Compensation:
Yes

Interested in Your Child’s Speech and Language?
Looking For:
3- to 10-year-old children and their parent(s)
Compensation:
Participants will be compensated for their time.

Is your daughter or son with disabilities interested in finding paid employment? Would you like guidance and support connecting them to a good job?
Looking For:
Live in Middle TN, be at least 18 years old, and have a family member with intellectual disability or autism who is interested in working and has already exited high school.
Compensation:
Parents will receive $250 for completing the “short course” and all project measures.

Online Study of Listening Behavior of Children with Autism
Looking For:
We are looking for caregivers of children with autism who have normal hearing and are between the ages of 18 months – 18 years.
Compensation:
$25

Reading and Listening Comprehension in Young Children
Looking For:
Children with typical development, 6;6 to 8;5 years old
Compensation:
Participants will receive up to $50 as compensation for their time

The Children's eBook Project
Looking For:
Children between the ages of 33 - 60 months and a parent/guardian.
Compensation:
As a thank you for your participation your child will receive a children’s book or small toy,

Vanderbilt Autism Research Registry
Looking For:
Children and adults who have a diagnosis of autism
Compensation:

Vanderbilt Down Syndrome Research Registry
Looking For:
Individuals with Down syndrome
Compensation:

Word Learning from Verbal Descriptions
Looking For:
2- to 5-year-old children
Compensation:
Children receive a toy or book for taking part.

You’re invited to participate in the Measuring Adolescents’ Daily Experiences (MADE) Study!
Looking For:
Caregivers and their children ages 10-15
Compensation:
Both you and your child will be compensated for participating. You will receive a $35 gift card. Your child will receive a $50 gift card.