Internet use Habits in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

ASDs and Internet behavior are two subjects of considerable concern in the public health domain. By using questionnaires, we have asked children, adolescents, and adults with ASDs to describe how they interact with the Internet. We are seeking to identify what participants are doing on the internet (gaming, social media, chat rooms, etc.) and for what purpose (social contact, find information, etc.). We are also examining how parents of children and adults with ASDs view their children's internet use and how it may affect family functioning. Primary Investigators: Todd Levine MD. 

Neuroendocrine Correlates of Empathy and Stress Reactivity in Registered Nurses

Understanding the mechanisms of stress is essential to create safe healthcare environments. Intimidating and disruptive behaviors create a stressful and hostile work environment and result in serious adverse outcomes for nurses, and most importantly their patients. Drawing on evidence from a neuroendocrine framework, individuals with oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism (GG allele) have higher levels of self-reported empathy and lower levels of stress reactivity than individuals with one or two copies of the A allele (AA and AG). Thus, response to a stressful environment has both a genetic and neurohormonal influence as well as the hostile social environment itself. This is an exploratory feasibility study to examine the relationships among oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variation; self-reported empathy; self-reported stress reactivity; and perceived work stress, burnout and violence among acute care registered nurses and mid-level nurse managers. Recruited nurses received a study packet with instructions to  complete the questionnaires and collect buccal cells using an Isohelix collection kit. This project provides pilot data for a larger study of the neuroendocrine correlates of empathy and stress reactivity in nurses and interventions to alter behavior and create safe healthcare environments for nurses and their patients. Primary Investigator: Kathe Hawes PhD. 

Physiologic Reactivity to Social Stimuli in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders ASDs

The focus of this research is how psychophysiological markers of arousal measured in children and adults with ASDs differ or are similar to those without ASDs.  These markers include those related to the “fight or flight” response (sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems) as well as stress hormones (cortisol).  Our goal is to understand how those with ASDs may react differently based on having some difficulties related to their social and non-social environments. Primary Investigators: Todd Levine MD,  Stephen Sheinkopf PhD.