Leading-Edge Autism & Communication Disorder Research
The Montefiore Einstein Center for Autism and Communications Disorders’ extensive research partnerships and initiatives have established Montefiore Einstein as leading stewards of the latest diagnostic, psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and treatments for people ages 5+ who face autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.
Current Projects
The Center for Autism and Communications Disorders hosts multiple initiatives to help patients, families, and caregivers navigate the challenges of living with or caring for someone with a developmental disorder. Our programs include the following:
CAAPABLE
A core component of CAAPABLE is the Prosody Project, which aids the development of stress and intonation in speech as well as non-verbal communication such as the use of the eyes and gestures. Impaired prosody is one of the most significant obstacles to social and professional integration.
The Prosody Project
The Prosody Project develops vocal timbre and, both, verbal (melody, volume, rhythm and fluency of speech) and nonverbal prosody (use of eyes, gesture) in adolescents and adults with ASD. Unfortunately, impaired prosody can play a powerful role in forming a negative first impression. As a result, the gifts and potential contributions of individuals with prosody deficits often go unrealized. Impaired prosody is, in fact one of the most significant obstacles to “social integration and vocational acceptance”.
Dunn, M. A. & Harris, L. E. (in press). The Music of Speech: Prosody Intervention for High-functioning Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Sensory Integration Therapy in Autism: Mechanisms and Effectiveness
A common feature of ASD is over or under sensitivity to the environment and difficulty putting sensory information together in an orderly way, referred to here as sensory issues. Building on previous work, this study will test the efficacy of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), a non-invasive intervention to improve functional skills in children with ASD, in comparison to commonly applied ABA behavioral treatments, in the treatment of ASD symptoms.
A 12-week Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of RO7017773 in Participants Aged 15 - 45 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This study will investigate the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of RO7017773 in participants aged 15-45 years who have been diagnosed with ASD with a score of >/=50 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II).
Voxelator Neurocognitive Function Study
This is a Phase 3b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study to assess the treatment effect of voxelotor on neurocognitive function as assessed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Module of executive abilities in pediatric participants (8 to < 18 years) with SCD.
An Open-Label Study of CM-AT for the Treatment of Children with Autism
This is a Phase III, open label extension study evaluating the continued safety and efficacy of CM-AT in pediatric patients with autism with all levels of fecal chymotrypsin.
Our Collaborators
Our program actively collaborates with the Montefiore Einstein Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) and other clinical investigators at Montefiore Einstein. We have received funding from the following organizations:
