Research

Current Research Project

TREAT: Testing Rewarding Experiences And Tasks

The TREAT study is testing the feasibility of new ways to assess how infants and toddlers process reward. We are developing new games and computer-based tasks that we hope can be completed by adults, children, and infants of many neurotypes! This study measures aspects of social and nonsocial reward processing using eye-tracking, EEG, and videos of behavior. 

Typical Development of Reward Processing in Children

We study how children respond to social and nonsocial rewards across development. This will help us to better establish typical patterns of attention, motivation, and engagement that serve as a foundation for understanding individual differenes.

Reward Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

We examine how autistic children respond to different types of rewards. Differences in reward processing may help explain why some children respond differently to reward-based interventions such as Applies Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and may inform more individualized approaches to support.

Equity in ASD Assessment and Evaluation

We investigate how rates of autism identification have changed over time and how assessment practices may contribute to differences in diagnosis. This includes examining disparities across sex and racial groups to identify potential gaps and biases in current evaluation methods and support more accurate and equitable evaluation methods.

Notre Dame:

The TREAT study is underway at Notre Dame! If you are interested in participating in research, the BRAIN Lab is recruiting autistic and non-autistic children. 

Boston Children's Hospital:

Thank you to the families who participated in the TREAT study at BCH!