You're Not Alone
At The Center for Autism, providing you with support, guidance and enriching learning opportunities is our top priority.
Therefore, we’re happy to provide links to some of today’s most useful websites and resources, which can help you gain deep knowledge on a full range of neurodevelopmental disorders, early intervention, treatment modalities, support networks, news, legislation, insurance advice and guidance for everyday living with loved ones affected by autism spectrum disorder.
Career Development Counseling for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD
The purpose of this project is to examine the success of a tailored career counseling tool for individuals with ASD. This tool provides an assessment of interests and skill development as well as progress monitoring. Please contact Jean Gehricke’s lab for more information at 949-267-0491.
The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Recruitment Database
The purpose of this research study is to collect consent from families to participate in a research database, the ATN Registry, and to be contacted about future research studies in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Please contact Jennifer Phan for more information at 949-267-0454.
Project SAM (Student-Assisted Minecraft Therapy)
This project focuses on the effects of Minecraft Therapy on attention, processing speed, and collaborative as well as creative activities. Minecraft engineers are UCI students trained in coaching children with autism and ADHD. Please contact Jean Gehricke’s lab for more information at 949-267-0491.
Project SALT (Student-Assisted LEGO Therapy)
The aim of this project is to examine a curriculum designed to enhance vocal communication and social skills in a fun and creative atmosphere using LEGOs. Coaches are trained students from UCI, who will assist in building LEGOs, communication, and social skill development. Please contact Jean Gehricke’s lab for more information at 949-267-0491.
Jean Gehricke, Ph.D.
Dr. Gehricke is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Neurodevelopmental Lab, and an Associate Professor at the UCI Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Gehricke is well known for his scientific work on the underlying mechanisms of ASD, ADHD and comorbid drug abuse. He has been the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on numerous research grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, Autism Speaks, the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Currently, he is expanding this research program by using brain-imaging techniques to better understand complex brain-behavior interactions. In addition, Dr. Gehricke is developing novel behavioral interventions, which includes physical exercise, play therapy, and transition services for individuals with ASD.
We hope you’ll consider participating in a local or national research project that can help us create and disseminate new and more effective treatments for our children. Your decision to participate in any study is completely voluntary and will not affect your child’s care at our center.