Overview

The Shaffer Lab is dedicated to gaining a better understanding of neurobehavioral conditions and partnering with families to improve the daily lives of those impacted, particularly in the area of emotion dysregulation.

Lab Projects (4)

Regulating Together, Funded by the Department of Defense

We are examining how well a group intervention works for treating emotion dysregulation in autistic youth. Children ages 8-12 and their caregivers will participate in one of two group treatment programs, either for emotion dysregulation or for executive functioning skills, and attend several study visits before and after the group intervention.

Project Collaborators

Lauren Schmitt PhD
University of Alabama
Northeastern University
Diverse Community Stakeholders
Outreach and Engagement: Reaching the African American Community, Funded by Simons Foundation

This study is a partnership with Lockland School District as well as Rockdale Academy Elementary School and Autism and WE, a local support group for African American families who have an autistic child. The study will include community activities, educational sessions, family nights out and finally a day camp. Participants will also complete a saliva sample and be enrolled in the SPARK study (see below).

  • More Information: To learn more, email autism@cchmc.org.
  • Community Partners: Autism and WE, Lockland School District, Rockdale Academy Elementary School
  • Funding: Simons Foundation

Project Collaborators

Emory University
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Nationwide Children's Hospital
SPARK, Funded by Simons Foundation

SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) is a national autism research study designed to speed up research and advance our understanding of autism to help improve the lives of autistic individuals. This study is funded through the Simons Foundation and we have been a site for the past 6 years.

Project Details

  • More Information: Learn more about our SPARK study.
  • Related News: Study on autism, genetics goes to the next level. Read more from Local 12.
  • Funding: Simons Foundation
  • Outcomes: To date, 4,000 participants have enrolled from Cincinnati. Additionally we have increased access to research through home visits for a diverse group of participants, particularly ones who need more support in their daily lives.
Canine Assisted Regulating Together, Funded by the National Institute of Health

Our canine study is aimed to learn more about Regulating Together and canine assisted therapy for 8-15 year olds with autism spectrum disorder and emotion dysregulation. Participants will receive up to $185 for attending research visits and 5 week treatment at no cost. Caregivers will also attend weekly treatment with their children.


Project Collaborators

Lauren Schmitt PhD
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Northeastern University