Cognitive & Metacognition Training (CoMeT) Study

An adolescent girl using a laptop

Could computer games improve thinking skills and reduce the impact of autism features?

Brief description

This project has the primary goal of evaluating whether an intervention targeting the ability to strategically think and respond based on current goals will change the way the brain responds to complex information, change behavior during problem solving tasks, and reduce the impact of autism features. The intervention involves playing computer games and talking to a coach about strategies used during the games.

Eligibility for study participation

  • 8- to 11-year-olds on the autism spectrum who use fluent speech to communicate in either English or Spanish

Participation details

  • One visit to Boston Children’s Hospital with activities to evaluate each child’s developmental level, language, and social functioning
  • Two visits will include a series of games, to assess each child’s problem solving skills, and an EEG, which is a non-invasive recording of brain activity
  • Completion of questionnaires
  • Some children will receive up to 15 one-hour training visits using game-like computer activities led by a coach. If your child is not assigned to the training group right away, they can receive the training about five months after joining the study.

All families will receive a written report with information about their child’s current developmental level and autism features, free parking, childcare for siblings during visits, and a small payment for participating (up to $140 over the course of the study). Children will also receive a small toy at each visit.

For more information contact cometstudy@childrens.harvard.edu.

First CRUSH (Competence in Romance and Understanding Sexual Health) Study

A person holding a phone in their hand

Can we better support autistic adults to find love and improve their sexual health?

Brief description

First CRUSH will test whether autistic adults find the CRUSH curriculum and assessment battery feasible and have a positive experience with them. It will also begin to test whether the CRUSH curriculum leads to positive changes and what factors lead to those changes.

Eligibility for study participation

●      18–30 year olds on the autism spectrum who use fluent speech to communicate in English who have not participated in any sexual or relationship health curricula as an adult.

Participation details

●      One in-person visit to Boston Children’s Hospital to complete cognitive and diagnostic testing, as well as questionnaires and computer activities.

●      Two remote or in-person visits to Boston Children’s Hospital to complete questionnaires and computer activities.

●      Some participants will receive 20 one-hour curriculum sessions that occur once a week. If you are not assigned to the Curriculum group right away, you will receive the training about 5 months after joining the study.

If participants would like a clinical report with the results of the diagnostic and cognitive testing, we would be happy to provide that. All participants will receive free parking, and a small payment for participating (up to $150 over the course of the study).

For more information contact ProjectCRUSH@childrens.harvard.edu.

Contact Us

617-919-4108
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Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience