Teachers who teach children who are deaf/hard of hearing or have autism spectrum disorders needed to participate in research

We are Drs. Stacey Bock and Christy Borders from the Department of Special Education at Illinois State University. We are working on an exciting research project titled, “Trends in Teacher Practices and Preparedness to work with Complex Learners,” and we would like to invite you to participate. The purpose of this project is to gain insight into teacher practices and preparedness in relation to nationally-identified evidence-based practices.  We hope to use this information to identify changes in teacher preparation programs as well as informing future professional development topics.

If you are currently teaching children who are deaf/hard of hearing or have autism spectrum disorders and if you are willing to participate in this project, we would like to ask you to complete a short survey. The completion of the survey will take 15-20 minutes.   

Please be assured that your participation in this study is absolutely voluntary. There will be no penalties of any kind and your choice to participate will not impact your position. The researchers do not foresee any significant risks to any individuals who will participate in the study. All data will be anonymous. Dr. Borders will store all the data under lock and key in her office in DeGarmo Hall. Computer data will be deleted 5 years after we publish or present the findings.

If you have any questions about this study, please feel free to contact Christy Borders at (309) 438-5829 or christy.borders@illinoisstate.edu or Stacey Bock at (309) 438-7884 or sjbock@ilstu.edu  If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact the Chairperson of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Research Ethics & Compliance Office at (309) 438-2529.

Research at Illinois State University that involves human participants is carried out under the oversight of the Institutional Review Board. Questions or problems regarding these activities should be addressed to IRB Chairperson, Research Ethics & Compliance Office, Campus Box 3330, Normal, IL 61790-3330, or phone (309) 438-2529.

If you agree to participate in this study, please link to www.specialeducation.ilstu.edu/trends and complete the online survey.

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Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Begins Recruitment for Potential Treatment for Autism

Hoffman Estates, IL, August, 2010– Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital today announced the start of a Phase II clinical research study sponsored by Forest Laboratories, Inc., for the treatment of core symptoms of autism in children―communication and socialization.  Autism can be a lifelong developmental disability that impairs a child’s ability to socialize and communicate with others.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a group of developmental disabilities which includes “classic” autism, affects one out of every 150 children in the United States.
 “This is a significant research initiative that may help advance the management of this disorder, which does not just affect the child—it can take a toll on the entire family, “ said Mark Lerman, M.D. “There is a real need for a medication that may address the core symptoms of autism to complement the effective behavioral and educational interventions that are currently used.”
Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital is among 16 research centers throughout the US participating in the ConnectMe study.  Study medication, comprehensive study-related evaluations and all study-related medical care are provided at no cost to the family.  The investigational medication being studied in ConnectMe contains the active ingredient memantine hydrochloride, in a dosage and administration unique to pediatric patients. 
Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking families in the greater Hoffman Estates area with children between the ages of six and twelve who have a diagnosis of autism to participate in this research trial.  Outreach has been made to over 70 community organizations associated with autism to further encourage families to consider participating.
For further information about this clinical study call 1-877-527-8839 (1-877-52-STUDY) or visit www.AutismResearchStudy.com or Google CONNECT ME. 

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