Participate in a study
We welcome participation from community members in our research study recruitment opportunities.
Our postdoctoral researchers and graduate student clinicians receive in-depth training on conducting evidence-based comprehensive diagnostic assessments and intervention approaches in order to offer research studies through our Center. They are especially committed to research that will improve access to critical services in low resource communities.
As a child, family member or individual participant, you not only take part in important cutting-edge research that in the future, could impact many, participants often receive services or assessments free of charge and may also receive a small stipend for completing your commitment. Please review the opportunities below to see if any are a fit for you or your family.
This secure registry is open to autistic individuals of any age and their parents and caregivers. Completing the online consent form and demographic survey enables our student clinicians to contact you about upcoming clinical service research that you or your family member may enroll in. Complete the survey at this link.
The Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research is working to expand access to comprehensive autism spectrum disorder assessments for children and adolescents living in rural and geographically underserved communities.
We are providing diagnostic assessments to evaluate for autism in children 17 years old or younger as part of a funded research project. Assessments will be free while funding remains available.
Assessments are conducted through a combination of in-person and remote meetings.
Recruiting residents of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.
If you are interested in participating, learn more by visiting the link at https://tinyurl.com/autismassessment or scanning the QR code in the flyer. Have questions? Email vtautismcenter@vt.edu
A United Way of Southwest Virginia partner agency. Additional funding provided by Commonwealth Autism.
Virginia Tech IRB # 26-739
Recruitment is closed at this time. Please check back in January for any updates on recruiting for our next cohort.
We are conducting a research study to evaluate the impact of ECHO Autism4ED (Autism for General Educators), a free, virtual professional learning program for general educators in Southwest Virginia public schools offered by autism specialists at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.
8 SESSIONS | EVERY OTHER THURSDAY | SEPT. 17 - DEC. 17, 2026
Learn evidence-based, neurodiversity affirming strategies to increase autistic students’ classroom participation. ECHO Autism4Ed is a virtual, collaborative, small-group mentoring program that connects general educators with autism specialists and brings autism expertise directly into your classroom practice.
75-minute sessions include:
- practical knowledge shared by our specialist team, including a psychologist, board certified behavior analyst, special education specialist, speech-language pathologist, and family advocate
- recommendations for specific de-identified student cases
- discussions on how to apply these strategies in your classrooms
*This program is for educational purposes and CEUs are not available.
You are eligible to participate in the study if you:
- teach in a general education classroom (PK- 12) and work with autistic students
- are employed in Dickenson, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, Washington, or Wise County, or the City of Norton
- are able to attend at least 6 of 8 virtual sessions
By participating in this study, you will gain a certificate upon successful completion of the training, an incentive of up to $140 on a Virtual ClinCard for completing all required study activities, knowledge of resources and best practices to support your students and long-term connections with a like-minded community.
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