Texas Autism Research and Resources

HHSC recommends the use of evidence-based practices and peer-reviewed research.

Online Research and Publications

PubMed is a free online resource developed and maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed provides access to more than 24 million citations and abstracts within the field of biomedical literature, and can draw citations and abstracts from online sources including the database MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Below is a list of common search terms related to autism spectrum disorder, or you may enter your own search criteria.

Conduct your own search by visiting the PubMed website.

Print and Audio-Visual Resources

The Department of State Health Services, Library Services, includes print and audio-visual resources loaned to the public free of charge. The only cost is the return shipping fee, if applicable. Below is a list of common search terms related to autism spectrum disorder, or you may enter your own search criteria.

Visit the DSHS AV Library Services website for more information on borrowing print and audio resources or to conduct your own search of the catalogue.

Participate in Research

Opportunities are available for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families to participate in ASD research by joining a clinical trial or enrolling in a research study. According to Autism Speaks, a leading autism science and advocacy organization, “Nearly 90 percent of children with cancer are enrolled in clinical trials—contrasted with only 5 percent of children with ASD.”

The following are opportunities to participate in research:

Project 1

Project Title: Interactive Autism Network 
Project Intent: IAN is an innovative online project designed to accelerate the pace of autism research by allowing parents to report information about their child's diagnosis, behavior, environment, services received, as well as progress over time. 
Enrollment ends: Ongoing 
Contact: Interactive Autism Network Website

Project 2

Project Title: Visuomotor Integration in Atypical Development 
Project Intent: The purpose of this study is to observe individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, individuals with Developmental Coordination Disorder, and typically developing individuals in order to understand how visuomotor integration skills differ in two populations characterized by atypical motor development. We will monitor how individuals stand, walk, and interact with an object, as well as their eye movement during several tasks in the virtual environment, with the intent of identifying a sensorimotor behavior marker that could potentially be used for earlier diagnosis of ASD and facilitate implementation of treatments for both ASD and DCD. 
Enrollment ends: Our study is running indefinitely. Enrollment is ongoing. 
Contact: Gabriela Sherrod, 817-735-2312

Project 3

Project Title: Supporting Mothers of Children with Autism Study – Texas Christian University 
Project Intent: The purpose of this study is to better understand experiences of mothers raising a child with autism spectrum disorder ages 4-17 years. Participants will complete a series of questionnaires online about yourself and your child with autism spectrum disorder. Questionnaires will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Mothers can earn a $10 gift card. 
Enrollment ends: Ongoing. 
Contact:  TCU Families, Autism and Child Emotion Studies, 817-257-4185

Disclaimer

The Health and Human Services Commission does not endorse opportunities to participate in research listed on this page and cannot attest to the quality of the research design, protocols, or findings. Persons interested in participating in a listed study should contact the primary researcher to access additional information and make an informed choice on the basis of that information.

University Programs in Texas

Several universities in Texas are engaged in researching autism spectrum disorder.

Research goals include advancing general knowledge about ASD and its causes; improving screening, assessment, and diagnosis; and recommending intervention and treatment strategies to improve the lives of people with ASD and their families.

Here are some of the Texas universities involved in ASD research: