U-M seeking families with autistic children for new reading study

By Danielle Arndt K-12 education reporter

Posted on Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.

Autistic children in the Ann Arbor area can participate in a research study this fall that evaluates their reading skills.

Occupational therapist Jenny Neuhalfen helps a child with autism climb up a mat in the occupational therapy room at EMU's Autism Collaborative Center in 2011.

AnnArbor.com file photo

The purpose of the study is to explore why some children with Autism Spectrum Disorders learn to read easily and others seem to struggle, according to the study's website.

Families with verbal children, ages 6 to 9, who have been diagnosed with Aspergers, autism or pervasive developmental delay can contact Pam Kittel, the primary investigator of the University of Michigan's "Reading and Autism Study," to take part in the research.

U-M's School of Education is conducting the study with the support of Eastern Michigan University's Autism Collaborative Center.

According to the study's website, in a single appointment, the participating child will be assessed for language, literacy skills, cognitive ability and cognitive flexibility while the parent completes a questionnaire and two checklists. Families will receive a detailed report with the results of their child's assessments and a $25 store gift card.

Kittel may be reached at pkittel@umich.edu or (734) 358-9358.

Find more information on the Reading and Autism Study here.