PROJECT STEER
RESEARCH
Research Agenda
Project STEER met bimonthly with their groups over the course of two years to brainstorm about their personal experiences and goals regarding the autism community. Stakeholders identified a set of (1) guiding principles that acknowledge their core values and should inform all early intervention for autism research, (2) top research priorities in early intervention for autistic children, (3) larger systemic or structural changes that need to be addressed to make meaningful and lasting improvements for the autism community.
COVID-19 Study
Disruptions to personal and professional life, safety and health, schedule changes, and school closings presented a unique set of challenges to individuals with autism and their families. Project STEER members co-designed an online survey to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic children and their families.
Wainer, A., Borowy A. R., Beard, M., Gordon, R.A., Walton, K.M., and Project STEER Team (2022, May). Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Autistic Children and their Families: Results from an Online Survey Developed by Project STEER Stakeholders. Poster at the International Meeting for Autism Research (Austin, Texas).
Virtual Services Study
The transition to virtual services and engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity to understand the benfits, limitations and ideal implementation of virtual approaches for autistic indiviuals and their families. Project STEER members co-designed an online survey to better understand the experiences of children with autism and their families in transitionig to virtual platforms for engagement and care.