Research at ATC
All research at ATC must relate to the mission and purpose of ATC. All research projects are reviewed, approved and monitored by the Clinical Services Committee. Some studies are limited to consumers who receive services from ATC and others are open to the community. ATC collaborates and receives funding from foundations, medical schools, universities and other agencies to conduct research projects.
Planned Research
Evaluation of Play Wisely Intervention in Autism
Drs. Kern and Garver are currently seeking funding to examine the Play Wisely (patent pending) intervention. The purpose of the study is to examine the effectiveness of the Play Wisely intervention for enhancing the parent-child relationship while developing the essential learning foundation skills in toddlers with a diagnosis of autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These essential learning foundation skills include: attention, recognition, and memory skills. This project will impact on sensory processing and behavioral outcomes. This project requires clinical services approval and funding.
MIT Project
Dr. Jackie Lee and Alonzo Andrews are collaborating on informational exchange using robots to teach social skills. This collaboration also involves SHWGroup in studying and applying architectural innovations working to eliminate triggers that can interfere with learning. This project requires clinical services approval. Funding has been pledged.
Past Research
The Possible Role of Intolerance to Milk/Dairy and Wheat/Gluten Foods in Older and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The ATC investigated possible metabolic processes relevant to ASD and a dietary intervention to improve Central Nervous System dysfunction (2001). Published in conference proceedings: An Autism Odyssey. Sunderland: University of Sunderland, Autism Research Unit (183-191). This study was the subject of two Reuters-London articles, April 5, 2001 and June 13, 2001, and was cited in the Autism Research Review International (ARRI), Dec. 2001 and ANDI (Autism Network for Dietary Intervention) News, summer 2001, as well as being presented at two state, one national, and one international conference. This was the Autism Treatment Center’s initial entrée into the research arena.
Principal Investigators Dr. Ted Kniker and Alonzo Andrews; Funded by Autism Treatment Center.The Effects of a Comprehensive MRT-based Elimination Diet on CNS Function in Individuals with ASD
The ATC conducted, as a follow-up to the previous year’s pilot study, a study of the Mediator Release Test, to determine if this blood test could be an efficacious means of determining food sensitivities in order to mitigate CNS system. To be published in conference proceedings: Building Bridges. Sunderland: Univ. of Sunderland, Autism Research Unit (2002). Presented at two state, one national, and one international conference.
Principal Investigators Dr. Ted Kniker and Alonzo Andrews; Funded by Autism Treatment Center.TRAINA (Texas Research and Information Network for Autism)
After a TIF (Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund) grant established a virtual classroom, with the San Antonio and Dallas centers and the University of Texas Pan American, originating at Southwest Texas University (Dr. Webber’s graduate Autism class), and was the impetus for conceptualizing the virtual clinic.
Principal Investigators David Young, Dr. Carolyn Garver and Alonzo Andrews; Funded by CAT-D project.REAP (Research and Evaluation of Autism Preparation) Center, under the auspices of Cheryl Fielding: Educational Psychology Department, College of Education, University of Texas Pan American
To prepare UTPA students to participate in and/or conduct full individual evaluations (FIE) of children suspected of having autism and to provide appropriate educational recommendations for public school instructional and related services. With the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) - a state-of-the-art assessment protocol as a centerpiece, interdisciplinary team members from throughout the state can convene with teleconferencing to evaluate an individual at the REAP center, and develop recommendations through a grand rounds process.
CAT-D (Computer Accommodations for Texans with Disabilities)
The project proposal: ATC with UT Department of Special Education, College of Education - to expand diagnostic services to evaluate for augmentative communication devices; to develop training systems utilizing hand-held computers, presented by video clips a task analysis to prompt interaction, self-care, vocational, and leisure skills.
Principal investigators Dr. Jeff Sigatos, Dr. Mark O’Reilly and Alonzo Andrews.Sensory Processing Issues in Autism
The purpose of the study was to better understand the extent of and the role of sensory dysfunction in autism, study the mechanisms underlying sensory defensiveness in ASD, and evaluate participants in terms of age and severity.
Sensory processing Issues in Autism.
Principal investigators Dr. Janet Kern and Dr. Carolyn Garver.Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Autism
Kay Lewis, University of Texas, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics and Neurology with ATC- to determine the possibility of mitigation of autism symptoms as a result of VNS implants for epilepsy control. Preliminary results have been promising. Possible future study: Dr. Lewis has recommended that, in a fashion similar to the current VNS project, ATC should conduct baseline and intervention evaluations, on a proposed study of possible interventions, e.g., ear drops or electronic masking, to increase Speech-in-Noise Intelligibility in individuals with autism. This is arguably the auditory analog of the visual perceptual-social deficit discussed as mind blindness.
Principal investigators Dr. Kay Lewis and Alonzo Andrews; Funded by Autism Treatment Center.
Evaluation of Equine-Assisted Activities in Autism
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of equine-assisted activities provided by Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center on the parent-child relationship, sensory processing, language, autism severity, behavioral outcomes and quality of life in persons with autism. Principal investigator – Dr. Janet Kern Co-Investigator- Dr. Carolyn Garver Funded by Timberlawn.
Raising Glutathione Levels in Children with Autism
The study examined the use of nutraceutical supplemental programs to determine their efficacy in raising GSH levels in children with autism. Autism symptoms, side effect burden, treatment adherence, and clinical global impressions were measured.
Principal investigator- Dr. Janet Kern
Co-Investigator Dr. Carolyn Garver
Funded by ARI (Autism Research Institute)
Out of the Glutathione study, the following papers were prepared:Publications
For decades, scientists have been searching for the ultimate answers that will cure and prevent autism. Currently, there is no known cure. However, treatment is very effective and research efforts continue to unlock the mystery to this fastest growing developmental disorder.
In addition to the diagnostic, therapeutic, and residential services the Autism Treatment Center provides, research is vital to better understanding the disorder that currently afflicts 1 in every 150 children. ATC lays claim to internationally-recognized scientists, researchers, and doctors who research, write, and publish various articles about autism. These publications are read and debated within the autism community to better serve those with this disorder and to, someday, open the world to so many children and adults with autism.
List of Publications
Kniker, W., Andrews, A., Hundley, A., Garver, C. (2001). The possible role of intolerance to milk/dairy and wheat/gluten foods in older children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Conference Proceedings; 2001: An Autism Odyssey, Sunderland; University of Sunderland, Autism Research Unit, & Autism North Ltd., 183-191.
Andrews, A., Kniker, W., (2002). The effects of a comprehensive MRT–based eliminations diet on CNS function in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conference Proceedings; Building Bridges, Sunderland; University of Sunderland, Autism Research Unit, & Autism North Ltd., 69-76.
Sigafoos, J., Drasgow, E., Halle, J., O’Reilly, M., Seely-York, S., Edrisinha, C., & Andrews, A. (2003). Teaching VOCA use as a communication repair strategy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 411-422.
O’Reilly, M., Sigafoos, J., Lancioni, G., Andrews, A., & Edrisinha, C.(2003). An examination of the effects of a classroom activity schedule on levels of self-injury and engagement for a child with severe autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35, 305-311.
Lewis, K., Andrews, A., Maxwell, C., & Lewis, C. (2003). The effects of vagal nerve stimulation therapy on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Conference Proceedings; Autism Society of America’s 35th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders, 195-205.
Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M., Edrisinha, C., Cannella, H., Upadhyaya, M., Lancioni, G.E., Hundley, A., Andrews, A., Garver, C., & Young, D (2005). Computer – present video prompting for teaching microwave oven use to three adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Behavioral Education, 14, 189-201.
O’Reilly, M., Edrisinha, C., Sigafoos, J., Lancioni, G., & Andrews, A. (2006). Isolating the evocative and abative effects of an establishing operation on challenging behavior. Behavioral Interventions, 21(3),195-204.
Sigafoos, J., O’Reilly, M., Cannella, H., Edrisinha, C., de la Cruz, B., Upadhyaya, M., Lancioni, G., Hundley, A., Andrews, A., Garver, C., & Young, D. (Jun 2007). Evaluation of a video prompting and fading procedure for teaching dish washing skills to adult with developmental disabilities. Journal of Behavioral Education, 16(2), 93-109.
Machalicek*, W., O’Reilly, M., Chan*, J., Lang*, R., Rispoli*, M., Davis*, T., Shogren, K., Sigafoos, J., Lancioni, G., Antonucci, M., Langthorne, P., Andrews, A., & Didden, R. (in press). Using videoconferencing to conduct functional analysis of challenging behavior and develop classroom behavioral support plans for students with autism. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities.
Papers
Authors Dr. Janet Kern and Dr. Carolyn Garver; Funded by Autism Research Institute
Measuring Mercury Body Burden in Three Distinct Groups to Help Elucidate the Role of Mercury in Autism Pathology
The purpose of the present prospective paper is to determine the mercury body burden differences using urinary porphyrins between three groups:
• Children in the US with autism who have not been chelated
• Children in the US who are typically developing
• Children in France who are typically developingA Prospective Evaluation of Urinary Porphyrins Verses the Clinical Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders
The purpose of the present prospective, blinded paper was to evaluate environmental toxicity in a cohort of participants diagnosed with ASDs utilizing clinically available lab testing from the Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) for urinary porphyrins.
A Prospective Evaluation of Biomarkers of Environmental Toxicity and Susceptibility in Autistic Disorders
The purpose of the present prospective, blinded paper was to evaluate potential biomarkers for evidence of mercury susceptibility and toxicity in the transsulfuration and porphyrin pathways in a cohort of participants diagnosed with ASDs using clinically available lab testing.
A Prospective Clinical Study of Transsulfuration Biomarkers
in Autistic DisordersThis paper was undertaken to confirm and extend previous observations in patients diagnosed with ASDs by examining a different cohort of children diagnosed with ASDs using routine, clinically available lab testing. The purpose of the present study was to further evaluate an entire metabolic pathway (i.e. the transsulfuration pathway), as opposed to isolated single gene products, to provide a greater mechanistic insight into disease pathology, so that new options for targeted treatment strategies may be further explored.
Clinical Services Committee
Board Members:
William T. Kniker, M.D.
Jo Ann Webber, Ph.D.
Mark O'Reilly, Ph.D.
Len R. LeekCommunity Members:
Pam Rollins – Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. She is also the Director of Early Services for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at the Center. A licensed speech-language pathologist, she is a member of the American Speech Language Association, Texas Speech Language Association, International Society on Infant Studies and International Congress in Child Language. Rollins received a bachelor's degree from Boston University, a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a doctorate from Harvard University.
Staff Members: