Department of Psychiatry

Project Name and Principal
Investigator(s)

Longitudinal study of development

Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.

Examine development from early to middle childhood in children with various disabilities in order to identify (1) core deficits in specific disabilities; (2) how conditions develop over time, (3) what families might expect as their children grow older, and (4) important targets of intervention.

Development in Williams syndrome

Susan Hepburn, Ph.D. & Deborah Fidler, Ph.D.

Investigate how young children with Williams syndrome:

(1) develop strengths in language and social functioning, (2) develop problems with anxiety and attention.

2-8 year olds with Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Genetics of Autism

Susan Hepburn, Ph.D. & William McMahon, M.D.

To gather genetic information for a nationwide study that is investigating possible genetic markers for autism; special emphasis on auto-immune and hormonal functioning.

Any individual (3 yrs and older) with autism and their parents.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety

Judy Reaven, Ph.D. &
Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.

To develop a group therapy treatment model for reducing anxiety symptoms in children on the autism spectrum.

7-14 year olds with autism spectrum disorders with average or above intellectual functioning.

Cognitive strengths and challenges in children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities

Deborah Fidler, Ph.D.

To explore areas of relative strength and weakness in learning styles in children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Children with Down syndrome; children with idiopathic developmental disabilities; children with fragile X syndrome; other developmental delays.

Parent-child interactions, stress, and coping in families

Deborah Fidler, Ph.D.

To explore predictors of stress and resilience in families of children with developmental disabilities.

Families of children with any type of developmental disability.

Problem-solving in Autism

Ben Yerys, M.S. &
Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.

To examine how children with autism solve problems that require them to think flexibly.

4-7 year olds with high functioning autism; 5-6 year old typically-developing children.

Body Schemas in Adults with Autism

Catherine Reed, Ph.D.

To investigate perceptual processes that may impact social functioning in adults with autism.

Adults (18+) with autism

Paula Beall pbeall@nova.psy.du.edu

Diet and GI symptoms

Ann Reynolds, M.D.

To investigate the stomach and bowel problems often reported by parents of children with disabilities.

3-7 year olds with autism, fragile X, or other developmental delay.

Brain Imaging of Language

Don Rojas, Ph.D.

To associate language function with underlying brain structures in adults with autism spectrum disorder.

18-55 year olds with a diagnosis of autism or aspergers syndrome. Speak English as your first language. Have normal hearing. Have no permanently implanted metallic devices.

Visit www.Neuromeg.org for more information

Assessment of Anxiety

Judy Reaven, Ph.D. & Corry Robinson, Ph.D.

Social skills, sexuality, and growing up: Addressing the needs of youth and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Shana Nichols, Ph.D. & Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.