Research Projects

Fine Motor Testing

In this task, you will be requested to press on the device to generate a small amount of force using a precision grip of the hand. We will provide you immediate online visual feedback regarding your performance. We are interested in learning how individuals utilize visual feedback to facilitate motor performance (i.e., force control and force variability). This task is part of our Aging study.

Gross Motor Testing

You will be requested to perform a series gross motor assessment including standing, walking, and taking steps for our Aging study. During these tasks, you may wear wireless sensors, similar to those used in motion capture/animation movies, which allows us to evaluate your joint movement and coordination. Or, you may simply walk on a testing mat.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Our neuroimaging testing is safe and non-invasive. We do not use sedation for patients. Our Aging study uses structural MRI, functional MRI and diffusion imaging to examine brain structure and activity during rest and sensorimotor tasks. Scans usually last 1 hour. MRI machines sound loud but are still tolerable for most individuals, including autistic adults. If curious about the MRI sounds or want to hear the sounds before coming to our studies, please click here. You will hear some of these sounds while inside the scanner during our tests.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Our pain sensitivity and responsivity study includes brain imaging using EEG. The EEG testing comes with a pain sensitivity assessment. You will wear an EEG cap during the test. You will place your forearm on a thermode platform. The thermode delivers heat stimulation that could induce temporary pain at moderate to medium levels. This task allows us to examine how your brain responds to painful stimuli. The test lasts 2.5 hours.

Neurocognitive Testing

As a participant in any of our studies, you will complete tasks to measure your abilities of thinking and problem-solving. Some of these tasks include working with blocks, looking at pictures, working with small objects, and answering questions. During this session, you will also complete some computer-based tasks.

Blood Draw

In our Dementia study, we are looking from blood markers of dementias in relation to ASD. The blood draw is conducted in the Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience (LRN) by trained research personnel. The study will collect a total of 4 tubes of blood.