1. Eye movements and reading on the autism spectrum

University of Bristol School of Education lecturer Dr Philippa Howard is seeking autistic and non-autistic volunteers to have their eyes tracked as they read.

Volunteers will be asked to silently read text as their eye movements are monitored, and complete a range of other tasks, eg solving puzzles and completing questionnaires. Taking part will take around two hours and 15 minutes and will be completed in three separate sessions (one in person, two online). Volunteers will be paid £30 for their time.

Adults with and without a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum condition*.

• Be aged 18 years +
• Be native English speakers
• Have no formal diagnosis of a learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) 

Go to their website for further information.

*A clinical diagnosis means that this was formally assessed and assigned by a clinical professional/s e.g., a psychologist or paediatrician.

 

2. The STRATA study 

The aim of the STRATA study is to find out whether the medication sertraline is an effective treatment to reduce anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism. Researchers at the University of Bristol are inviting adults who have a diagnosis of autism and experience anxiety to take part in this study. 

The study has been co-produced with experienced clinicians, researchers and autistic people to investigate the treatment of anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism. 

To take part in the study you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• have a diagnosis of autism (including variations such as Asperger syndrome)
• experience anxiety for which you are willing to try treatment with medication 
• be able to complete an online questionnaire about your anxiety, symptoms and healthcare usage
• be able to provide informed consent to take part.

How long does it take?

Participants will be enrolled to the study for up to 52 weeks (one year), during which time they will be asked to take the study medication as directed, and complete 4 questionnaires (with their time reimbursed with a £10 voucher for each). In addition, there will be five brief safety check appointments to discuss how participants are getting on with the medication and carefully monitor any side effects. All study appointments can be done via video or phone call, or in person appointments (any travel expenses reimbursed) can be arranged according to participant preference.

To take part in the study please complete the online Expression of Interest form.

Alternatively for further information or assistance,please email strata-takepart@bristol.ac.uk or phone 01174 283001.

 

3. Suspect interviews with autistic adults in police custody

The University of Bath is carrying out research into police suspect interviews with autistic adults. They are currently recruiting for two research studies. It is fine for participants to take part in one or both of these studies. Participation is reimbursed at £10 per hour, and they can reimburse travel expenses as well. 

Am I eligible to take part?

Autistic participants must:

• be any gender
• be aged 18 - 25 years
• have a formal autism diagnosis

 Non-autistic participants must:  

• identify as male 
• be aged 50 - 65 years  
• not suspect that they may be autistic

For further information and to take part in the study, please visit their website.