The Institute for Autism Research (IAR) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families. Researchers from diverse backgrounds work together to address critical questions involving causes, development, assessment, clinical treatment, and education.
This research work has led to development of several new and effective programs which are provided by IAR staff to our community partners and schools. Researchers at the IAR are also dedicated to training the next generation of researchers and practitioners through advanced academic, research, and clinical and community-based experiences.
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schoolMAX and summerMAX Show Long-term Positive Outcomes for Autistic Youth
Recent research by the IAR shows that the schoolMAX and summerMAX programs created and developed by the IAR yield positive long-term outcomes for autistic youth (without intellectual disability [ID]). The IAR team published results of a long-term outcome study that their innovative school social intervention (schoolMAX) and summer social intervention (summerMAX) yielded sustained, comparable, and positive longer-term outcomes for autistic youth without ID.
summerMAX will not be offered in 2024
Due to the need to devote resources to the newly offered So Fit Program, the IAR will not be offering summerMAX this summer. In addition to So Fit, the IAR has an ongoing study of an afterschool socialization program being conducted in area afterschool programs. The afterschool sites have not been confirmed for the 2024-2025 school year but interested families can contact the IAR at 716-888-2800 or @email for more information.
IAR News
The institute has been featured in the local news and in national publications. See just a sample how the IAR has been featured in the media and check back as the institute continues to grow.
schoolMAX
schoolMAX is a comprehensive school-based intervention designed to address the unique profile of social-cognitive and social behavior impairments and circumscribed and repetitive behaviors and interests of elementary school-age autistic students without intellectual disability in school settings.
Participate in Research
The Institute for Autism Research (IAR) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism and related developmental disorders and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families. Researchers from diverse backgrounds work together to address critical questions involving causes, development, assessment, clinical treatment, and education. This research work has led to development of several new and effective treatments which are provided by IAR staff to our community partners and schools.
Grants
Grants are a large source of financial support for both research and clinical programming. The following is a sample of current and prior funding used to conduct studies and provide clinical services involving autistic individuals. We are grateful to all the local, state, and federal funding sources for the support.
Clinical & Community Programs
In addition to conducting high level research, members of the IAR are committed to serving the community and autistic individuals through provision of effective intervention and treatment programs, as well as consultation with parents, educators, and clinical providers. Read more about the programs offered by members of the IAR.
Research Team
The IAR is a truly collaborative team that is proud of the strong relationships maintained with all members. Learn more about the people behind the research.
Publications
Members of the IAR team have published extensively in the area of autism and developmental disorders. The following is a list of selected journal articles and book chapters on autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities published by members of the research team.
Internships
Graduate and undergraduate students work closely with members of the IAR on a range of research and clinical projects that enhance their professional development.