Research is a key component for making new discoveries and improving the lives of people with disabilities. It can also provide participants insight and support regarding their conditions, especially when there is a gap in services. Here are a few studies that may be of interest.
Infant Play Study
Vanderbilt University is seeking infants 6-18 months old to participate in a study about how infants play in everyday life. In this study, your child will play in a lab playroom filled with fun toys, like cars and balls. The session will be video-recorded and will last 1 hour. You will be with your child the entire time. Participants receive a $20 Amazon gift card. The study will take place at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Parking will be provided.
If you are interested in participating or learning more about this study, please email vuexplorelab@gmail.com.
Catatonia in Autism Study
Principal Investigator: Joshua Ryan Smith, M.D.
Study Title: Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation for Catatonia in Autism
Institution/Hospital: Vanderbilt University Medical Center – MEND Clinic
Subject: “TMS Study for Individuals 15-40 years old with Autism”
We are looking for individuals, ages 15-40 years old diagnosed with ASD with or without catatonia.
Summary & Rationale: Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with catatonia in autism, no diagnostic research has attempted to identify biomarkers for catatonia. This application will use a participant’s brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) to target the primary motor strip with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and determine if hyperexcitability of the brain directly correlates with symptoms of catatonia and social-emotional impairment in autism. Completion of this project would result in the first study to associate hyper-excitability of the brain with catatonia and core features of autism; findings which are likely to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of autistic individuals.
This study consists of a total of 4 visits and no follow-ups:
- Screening Visit: Review of consent, medical history, current medications, and physical examinations.
- Testing Visit: Confirm diagnosis of autism and measure cognitive abilities.
- MRI Visit: A structural MRI scan which will take approximately 5 minutes.
- TMS Biomarker Procedure: Transcranial magnetic stimulation will be administered.
There are no costs and no compensation for participating in this study.
Contact:
Seri Lim (Research Coordinator)
615-295-8591
Heart Disease in African Americans Study
You can help with this important clinical study about how inflammation in the blood vessels contributes to heart disease in African Americans.
You may be eligible to be in the study if you are:
African American adult
Age 18-60
Without diabetes
- This study is conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Requires a screening visit, 5 study days, taking an FDA-approved study medication for 3 months, and blood collection
- Participants will be compensated for their time
If you would like to participate, please complete the pre-screening consent and questionnaire.
If you are eligible, a study team member will contact you for an in-person screening visit at the Clinical Research Center.
Study Team Contact:
615-238-1936
Chaney.r.johnson@vumc.org