Dr. Ayres is also a nurse researcher at the University of Iowa studying families and chronic illness. She has a special interest in children and young adults with mobility impairments, especially how children learn to think of themselves as independent, competent, and valuable members of their social groups. Dr. Ayres is also interested in how young adults with physical disabilities make the transition from an integrated pediatric health care system to a fragmented adult health care system. She believes social skills, especially competence, autonomy, and strong relationships make a big difference in the success of that transition.