Autism Support
Autism Society Support Groups in Oregon
Oregon has one of the highest rates of autism in the U.S. If you haven't already, you will meet someone with autism. People with autism want to lead fulfilling lives and make a meaningful contribution to society. Together, we can make that happen.
For Information and Resources Call
888 - Autism - 1
888 - 288 - 4761
Research on Autism
On-Going Research - Participants Needed:
Walden University Adult Caregiver Survey
Are you a caregiver of an individual with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who recently graduated (or aged out) of high school this past year? If so, please click on the link below and take a brief questionnaire. It should take you less than five minutes to complete. If you meet the criteria for participation, a behavior rating scale and a self-addressed stamped envelope for its return will be mailed to the address you provide, which should take you approximately 45 minutes to complete. This is a research study by a doctoral student intended to provide empirical evidence to lawmakers and school district personnel about the importance of implementing and funding community-based instruction for individuals on the spectrum.
A study about nutrient levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Participants will be asked to come in for one visit at the Helfgott Research Institute at the National College of Natural Medicine. At the visit participants will be asked to fill out a health intake form, give a blood sample, and complete an interview. The entire visit should take about two and half hours. Participants who complete the study will receive the results of their nutrient analysis and a $20 gift card to Fred Meyer. To be eligible participants must:
- Be between 19 and 50 years old
- Be in good health
- Have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
- Not be using a vitamin, mineral, or fish oil supplement within the last 2 months.
For more information call 503-552-1911. IRB #112712
Or see: http://www.ncnm.edu/helfgott-research/study-participation-opportunities/nutrient-levels-in-adults-with-autism-spectrum-disorders.php
OHSU in Portland - Portland Autism Infant Research Study (PAIRS):
The goal of this study is to develop new technologies to detect autism earlier. We are looking for families who have a 0 – 6 month-old baby (or are expecting) and an older child who: 1) is typically developing; OR 2) has an autism spectrum disorder; OR 3) has a developmental delay or learning disability. Familiies would visit the CSLU nursery periodically until their baby is 24 months old. During these visits, babies would wear movement sensors on their arms and legs, and parents would also wear movement sensors on their arms. Audio and video recordings would also be made. The goal is to use these technologies to find early signs of autism in the sounds and movements of infants who are later diagnosed with autism. Please contact the research team at (503) 748-1602 or PAIRS@ohsu.edu for more information. To see the flyer on this study, please click here.
Children with autism often have difficulties with touch - avoiding touch on many areas of the body. Although parental touch is the most effective way to calm children, often parents with children with autism will avoid using touch because their child doesn't respond well to it. For the past decade, the Teaching Research Institute at Western Oregon University has been teaching parents a daily massage program that has been shown in early studies to be effective in reversing difficulties with touch. As children become more comfortable with touch, they become calmer, are better able to learn, and exhibit better behavior overall. Up to 120 families who have children with autism under the age of 6 will have the opportunity to participate in the study. Families enrolled in the study will receive free treatment. Participants will be recruited from the Portland, Salem, Albany/Corvallis, and Eugene areas, and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in learning more about the study can visit www.qsti.org or call 503.585.9239.
Peter Sciabarra, a doctoral student at the University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences is conducting research in support of his dissertation involving a comparative evaluation of autism support and resource organizations and how they serve the needs of high functioning adults on the autism spectrum. He is also the parent of a 20-year-old young adult with high-functioning autism. He is looking for participants willing to participate in a survey.
Take Needs & Services for Adults Survey Now
For children ages 7 to 15 with a diagnosis of high functioning autism. Compensation for children and parents participating. For more information, please call (503) 494-1897 or download this flyer.
Texas Tech University, Marriage & Family Therapy Program, Burkhart Center for Autism - Survey on Stress & Coping among Heterosexual Couples with Children with ASD.
The on-line survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Couples in which both partners complete the survey will have the option of entering themselves in a drawing for a $25 Visa gift card, with a 1 in 10 chance of winning. For more information, contact matt.brown@ttu.edu or 806-743-2820 x 233.
Link for survey: https://atrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1C6LR3d8Ri0eDA0.