Several investigations by PEARLS’ researchers are studying the
development of infants and young children with typical
development and with developmental disabilities including
autism. These include the Sensory Experiences Project, Infant
Attention studies, and Predicting Useful Speech in Children with
Autism. Our deepening understanding of early development is
being applied to the challenge of identifying young toddlers who
are at risk for autism and other developmental disabilities in
the Development of the First Year Inventory. The PEARLS team is
currently gaining perspectives of physicians, nurses, and
parents related to autism screening in Medical Provider and
Parent Focus Groups on Autism Screening. We are also currently
developing a survey of Developmental and Autism Screening:
Current Practices by Medical Professionals in North Carolina.
The PEARLS team also is conducting research to develop
effective, evidence-based interventions for young children at
risk for, or with diagnoses of autism and related