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Archives: 2013-14 Legislative Session

Research

MIND Institute Autism Phenome Project (APP)

The UC Davis MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) is a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, care, and cure of neurodevelopmental disorders. The Autism Phenome Project (APP) is a long-standing research study to understand the different types of autism based on behavior and physiology. Families with children on the Autism spectrum can request more information regarding eligibility for APP and and research programs by filling out this contact form.

 

Fun behavioral therapy in the home? A responsive, mechanized toy designed especially for autistic children six months and up has been created to teach positive play behaviors. The interactive toy was developed by two child specialists, an engineer, and an industrial designer at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The Auti develops speaking, touching, and collaborating skills. It shuts down in response to any negative behavior such as hitting or screaming, but quickly responds to the slightest positive interaction such as speaking gently or stroking.