Advancing Autism Research Through Free Early Intervention: A Partnership with UCLA CART
We are excited to share that The Help Group is actively collaborating with the Kasari Lab, led by Dr. Connie Kasari, a leading researcher at UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART). Conducted through the Help Group–UCLA Autism Alliance, this partnership supports cutting-edge research studies focused on enhancing social communication, joint attention, and other key areas of development in children with autism. These studies also offer families access to free early intervention through research participation.
Several groundbreaking studies are currently underway, and families have the unique opportunity to contribute to the science of autism while receiving free, evidence-based intervention services. Each study is tailored to specific age groups and developmental profiles:
1. EMERGE Study (18–33 months)
Focus: Early language development in ethnically diverse toddlers with autism or developmental delays
Who Can Join: Children aged 18 to 21 months who show signs of autism or language delays
What’s Involved: Three in-home visits at 18–21, 24–27, and 30–33 months. Includes EEGs, LENA recordings, interviews, developmental assessments, and diagnostic evaluations.
Benefit: Families receive expert feedback on their child’s development and up to $375 compensation. All visits occur in the family’s home, ensuring comfort and convenience.
2. PETAL Study (6–24 months)
Focus: Early intervention for infants with a higher likelihood of autism due to having an older sibling with ASD
Who Can Join: Infants aged 6 to 8 months with an older sibling diagnosed with autism
What’s Involved: From 6–24 months, families participate in six developmental assessments and receive either:
• COACH: A hybrid of JASPER and Baby Babble—targeting social communication, engagement, and early speech development
• MONITOR: A light-touch developmental tracking program using ASQ-3 and activity cards.
Benefit: Weekly virtual coaching sessions (COACH group), free assessments, and early strategies to support communication development—well before symptoms may typically emerge.
3. BLOOM Study (3.5–5.5 years)
Focus: Supporting children with both autism and speech motor delays
Who Can Join: Children aged 3.5 to 5.5 with fewer than 20 spoken words, who began walking before 24 months, and have had at least 3 months of intervention or preschool
What’s Involved: Participants are randomly assigned to receive either:
• JASPER alone
• JASPER with PROMPT: A speech motor intervention integrated with play-based therapy
The 12-week program includes two 60-minute sessions weekly, plus several developmental assessments.
Benefit: Tailored strategies that support both social engagement and verbal communication in young children with limited speech.
Why This Matters
These studies are more than just research, they represent hope, empowerment, and early action. Families gain access to no-cost, top-tier interventions with decades of validation while directly contributing to autism research that shapes future care.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child with autism or developmental delays—or if you have an infant with an older sibling on the spectrum—consider participating. You’ll receive individualized attention, developmental insights, and practical tools that can make a meaningful difference in your child’s journey.
Get Involved or Learn More
To explore eligibility or ask questions about participation, please reach out to the appropriate contact below:
For General Inquiries or to Reach the Kasari Lab:
📧 Email: cogarcia@mednet.ucla.edu
📞 Phone: (310) 983-1057
🌐 Kasari Lab Website: https://kasarilab.org