Get Involved
Who can participate?
We invite children, teens, and adults, diagnosed on the autism spectrum, to participate in research. Each study has different eligibility guidelines. After you sign up, we will contact you to discuss the research process and whether there are current studies that may be a good fit for you or for the person whom you are signing up.
How do I start?
If you haven’t already done so, please complete the Sign Up Form. The next step involves answering some background questions. Then we can schedule the “intake” (first) visit to MIT. The intake involves 1-2 hours of behavioral testing which involves a variety of activities, including some questions regarding past and current functioning. After this first visit, we will identify whether any of our current studies are a good fit.
What’s the time commitment?
Each study has different time commitments and requirements. Some might take only 1 hour, and others could take up to 3 or 4 hours. Our studies build in time for breaks so there is time to rest, use the bathroom, and ask any questions before continuing.
What do I get for participating?
Each participant will receive cash, a check, or an Amazon gift card for their participation. Payment varies, but is typically $20 per hour for behavioral activities like answering questions or doing an activity on a computer. For brain imaging research studies like MRI and EEG, payment is usually $30 per hour. By participating in research at MIT, you will help scientists to understand important brain and behavior differences in autism.
Where do I go?
Research studies take place inside the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, also known as Building 46, at MIT. Our building is also home to the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, the Picower Center for Learning and Memory, the Simons Center for the Social Brain, and the Hock E. Tan and K. Lisa Yang Center for Autism Research.
What to expect on your first visit:
Your first visit to MIT consists of an intake, which is a general assessment that will help us to identify which current or possible future research studies might be a good fit for you (or your child). A researcher will meet you upon your arrival at MIT, and will review consent forms with you, ask you to fill out some forms, and ask you to respond to a variety of questions and activities. Each participant will be compensated for their visit with cash, check, or gift card.