Research

The Early Learning Institute conducts applied research that seeks to directly improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families in two ways. Our scientists examine strategies to move efficacious treatments for children with ASD into community settings and look to identify new targeted interventions that improve the core characteristics of ASD. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary research to discover and disseminate optimal behavioral and educational interventions for individuals with ASD. Research faculty work closely with graduate and undergraduate students to plan and carry out studies that directly improve the lives of consumers, impact policy, and inform future research.

Current Research Areas

1. Evaluating early intensive behavioral intervention outcomes for low-income children and families
2. Examining strategies to improve play and leisure time interactions with peers
3. Assessment of immediate environmental factors on acquisition of language and social interaction of children with ASD
4. Identifying optimal group instructional strategies for early learners with ASD
5. Assessing the utility and feasibility of a transition program to support children and families following early intensive behavioral intervention
6. Improving adherence to parent and family training for young children with ASD
7. Improving staff performance in delivery of behavioral intervention

Conducting Research at ELI

The Early Learning Institute offers a number of unique opportunities for research. These opportunities range anywhere from recruitment of potential research participants to conducting on-site intervention research. All research activities are approved on a case-by-case basis, and those activities can be submitted for consideration by completing and submitting this form. For more information about conducting research at ELI, please contact Dr. Joshua Plavnick at plavnick@msu.edu.