Our Studies

Current studies

We are currently running four studies for babies ages 0 - 36 months. Our lab staff will ask you questions about your baby to find the best fit with one of our studies.

Our newborn study follows the development of newborns through the first 3 years of life.
Our team tracks early social, motor, and language skills as infants grow, and provide parents with feedback and tips on supporting their child’s development. Families can earn up to $250 for full participation. We currently have openings for infants who are:
1) Under 1 month and born preterm (between 24-32 weeks gestation)
2) Under 3 months and have an older full biological sibling diagnosed with autism
3) Under 1 month and have an older sibling who is typically developing with no family history of autism
In partnership with the UofSC College of Nursing, the ESD Lab is enrolling preterm infants from the PRISMA-Richland NICU. Babies participate in 3-4 study visits for the first year following NICU discharge. Families receive free feedback, connections to local resources, and $40 per study visit.

What is a typical visit like?

We always start the visit by getting your baby comfortable with the space and our staff.
Then we will put on the heart rate monitor, which is wireless and attaches to your baby like a sticker.
Babies often don't even notice what we are doing!
Babies think that they are just playing while our staff is completing developmental assessments.
You and your baby will have playtime.
Babies will interact with new toys and objects.
Babies tend to love this part of the visit!
The baby will watch videos while we record their eye movements
The baby will watch videos while we record their eye movements.
The baby will watch videos while we record their eye movements.