Buffalo, NY - Established in 2009, the Canisius Institute for Autism Research (IAR) is making a life-long impact in the lives of those affected by high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD) through their clinical research and treatment programs.
According to results from two randomized clinical trials, children who participate in the IAR’s five-week long summerMAX program consistently show significant improvements in their understanding of what social skills to use in a range of situations. summerMAX is one of the first comprehensive treatment programs proven effective for children with HFASD.
Children also exhibit fewer autism symptoms and are also more likely to engage in social interactions compared to those who do not receive treatment, as well as maintain their social gains after completing the five-week program.
In 2013, the IAR received a $3.4 million grant from the Institute of Educational Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, to fund a four-year randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive school-based intervention for children with HFASD.
On Tuesday, July 29, WGRZ-TV aired a feature story by Steve Brown on the IAR and its summerMAX program. IAR Co-directors Drs. Chris Lopata and Marcus Thomeer were interviewed for the story.
Watch the WGRZ-TV story about the IAR here.
Click here for more information about the Canisius IAR.
Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
