Is there a cost or compensation involved?
It depends on the study. Some funded studies have compensation or a parking stipend. Contact us and we can let you know.

How do I know if I’m eligible?
See eligibility requirements listed under Current Studies.  If you still have questions, you can call us at (215) 503-5709 and we can answer any questions you may have. A research assistant will describe the study in more depth and will obtain information from you that will help us determine if you or your child (whichever is appropriate) are eligible.

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call the Sensory Integration Laboratory at 215-503-5709 or email us at Kimberly.Mollo@jefferson.edu or Teal.Benevides@jefferson.edu

Where does the actual testing take place?
Physiological testing will take place at the Sensory Integration Laboratory on the Thomas Jefferson University Campus. We are located at 133 S. 9th St. in suite 220 (2nd floor). See Directions for more details. The Autism Speaks Intervention Study is conducted at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River, NJ. You can follow this link to our website.

What happens at the visit and how long will it take?
If you are participating in the physiological study, when you arrive at the lab, you will go through informed consent where you and your child will be told about the study and you can ask questions. If you agree to participation, you will sign the consent forms, and if your child is 7 years or older, he or she will be asked to print or sign that they understand the study. Parents will be asked to fill out other forms about their child too. Overall, the time you spend in the lab will be approximately 1.5 hours. The lab procedure, which takes approximately 30 minutes, is described to children as a pretend “spaceship ride.”

Once I agree to participate, am I obligated?
No. There is no obligation to participate in our studies, even after you sign the consent forms. Your child’s current services will not be affected based on your choice to participate. All information collected at the time of testing is confidential.

Can I participate in more than one study?
Individuals can participate in as many studies as they qualify for. Participants previously ineligible for one study may currently be eligible for another. New studies are continuously added; therefore, prior participants may return.

Why should I participate in the studies?
By participating, you may help to improve our understanding of why children experience sensory dysfunction. Your participation can help to increase community services and improve public perception. In addition, you will help researchers gain a better understanding of and so that we can develop and test treatments for sensory dysfunction and autism.

How can I best prepare my child for the visit to the Sensory Integration Laboratory?
We will explain the procedure to your child in language they can understand when he/she arrives during the informed consent process. However, some parents find that sharing a social story with the child prior to the visit helps to ease anxiety. Here is an example of what you might want to share with your child:

The Pretend Spaceship Ride

I am going for a little adventure!

I am going for a ride in my car. I am going with my mom and dad. We will be in the car for a while. We are going to the city!

When we get there, we will park in a garage.  We will take a walk. I will hold my mom’s hand. I will look both ways before we cross the street.

When we get to the building, we will go in the elevator. We are going up to the second floor; I will get to push the number 2 button!  When the door opens, we will look for the signs for the lab.

I will meet a nice lady named Miss Kim or Miss Teal. She is going to talk to my mom and dad. I will go and color with Miss Kim’s or Miss Teal’s friend for a little while.  Maybe I will draw the planets for her or show her how I like to write my numbers. Miss Kim’s or Miss Teal’s friend might be giving me some directions. I will listen to her and follow her directions as best as I can. I will be working for stickers and when I’m all done I’ll get to pick out a toy!

After that, Miss Kim or Miss Teal is going to put some stickies on my belly and back. Then she’ll wrap my hand with a special band to keep the stickers on. It won’t hurt me -- it might even tickle! I am going to try to be still and follow Miss Kim’s or Miss Teal’s directions. I will get more stickers for good behavior and good listening!

Then comes the best part! I get to go on a pretend spaceship ride! I am going to hear some things with my ears. I am going to see something with my eyes. I am going to feel something on my skin. I am going to smell something. I am going to feel my chair move! This is where I get to show everyone what a big kid I am! I am going to watch and listen.  I am going to stay in my seat. I am going to have a quiet mouth and quiet hands. I know that I can do it! I will make everybody so proud of me!

On the way home, we will talk about my good behavior and about how much fun the day was. I will tell my mom and dad what part I liked the best.

To download a copy of this story click here.