Research
Research news
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Recent Publications
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UMARC members pursue research that aims to ultimately improve the well-being of autistic people, by:
- Exploring the behavioral, cognitive, and neural features of autism;
- Understanding the experiences and needs of autistic people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities;
- Developing and testing effective clinical, educational, and public health approaches for supporting autistic people of all ages and their families.
Autistic people are currently underrepresented in research about autism, and that needs to change! We are working to recruit and support more autistic students in our labs, so that autistic voices are included at every stage of our research, and so that the next generation of researchers will include more autistic leaders. When a research team includes no autistic members, we try to consult with autistic people and other community stakeholders to ensure that the research is consistent with their needs.
Recent Publications
Neural Similarity and Interaction Success in Autistic and Non-autistic Adolescents
McNaughton, K. A., Dziura, S., Lemay, E. P., Yarger, H. A.,& Redcay, E. (2025). Neural similarity and interaction success in autistic and non-autistic adolescents. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91176-9
Examining the Efficacy of Culturally Responsive Interventions for Autistic Children and Their Families: A Meta-Analysis
Lee, J.D., Kang, V.Y., Terol, A.K. et al. Examining the Efficacy of Culturally Responsive Interventions for Autistic Children and Their Families: A Meta-Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 55, 706–726 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06212-2
Autonomic Activity in Individuals with Autism and Anxiety Symptoms: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Yarger, H. A., Sarkar, M., Harrington, E. & Redcay, E. (2024). Autonomic Activity in Individuals with Autism and Anxiety Symptoms: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-024-00449-y
Participate in a study
Would You Like to Share your Child’s ASD Diagnosis Story?
Learn more about current research on ASD diagnosis experiences.
Brain-scanning Study on Decision Making and Learning
Current study on the learning process and decision making via brain scans!
Children’s Language Development Study
Current study focusing on neurotypical and autistic children’s language development.
New Research Survey on Workplace Supports for Autistic Young Adults
Research survey focusing on workplace experiences of autistic young adults
Caregiver Perspectives on Interventions for children with ASD and IDD
Recruiting Arab caregivers of children with ASD or IDD to participate in a study focusing on perspectives and experiences connected to interventions.
Post High School Transition with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Recruiting foreign-born immigrants with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including autism to gain insight on post-high school experiences and opportunities to develop support strategies.
Communicational and emotional effects of technology
Recruiting individuals with autism to participate in study focusing on technology impacts on communication and emotions.
Perspectives on inclusive education and neurodiversity
Recruiting parents of individuals with or without a developmental disability to participate in a study that examines their perspectives
Fostering friendships between autistic children and neurotypical peers
Recruiting schools interested in using a Literacy Based Behavioral Intervention (LBBI) to promote friendship development in K-5 students
Creating research environments inclusive of autistic students
Recruiting faculty and lab staff (lab managers, post-docs, paid research personnel) in STEM labs to be part of a focus group.
Research news
Researchers receive 2024 Seed Grant from The Brain & Behavior Institute
Elizabeth Redcay (PSYC), Caroline Charpentier (PSCY/BBI), Rachel Romeo (HDQM),andPhilip Resnik (ARHU/UMIACS), were awarded a 2024 Seed Grant from the Brain & Behavior Institute for their project “Computational Social Neuroscience in the Wild”. Learn more about their research here!
New Publication from Jonet Artis
Jonet Artis has recently published a new journal. Click here to learn more about the publication!
Grant Received to Train Future Special Education Leaders
Veronica Kang is part of the team who received a $2.5 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Read more here!
Contact us
If you’re an autistic student or researcher interested in getting involved in research at UMD, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at autism@umd.edu.