RESEARCH
Dr. Gael Orsmond is a developmental and clinical psychologist whose research program focuses on social issues related to developmental disabilities. Her two main areas of research are: (1) the impact of developmental disabilities (such as autism and Down syndrome) on the family, how that impact is experienced over the life course, and how different family members (mothers, fathers, siblings) adapt; (2) social relationships in individuals with autism.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Adolescents and Adults with Autism: A Study of Family Caregiving
Dr. Orsmond is Co-Director and Co-Investigator on this project funded by the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG08768). She directs all research activities for this project in Massachusetts. Dr. Marsha Mailick Seltzer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the project Principal Investigator.
This longitudinal study focuses on the development of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through adolescence and adulthood, and how family members adapt over time. Since 1999, we have been following over 400 families who reside in Massachusetts or Wisconsin. We have interviewed mothers and other guardians, and fathers and siblings have participated by completing mailed questionnaires. We are extremely grateful to the families who have given so generously of their time and shared their lives with us.
Over the years we have written study reports to share with the families participating in our study. To view these files, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded here.
Conceptualizations of Friendships in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Drs. Gael Orsmond and Ellen Cohn are currently collaborating on a mixed-method study examining how adolescents with an ASD understand and perceive friendships. A pilot study was study was funded by the Occupational Therapy Department at Boston University.
PAST PROJECTS
Adolescent Siblings of Brothers or Sisters with Autism
Additional funding from National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (R03 HD039185; Orsmond, PI) in 2004 provided an opportunity to interview adolescent siblings from the families participating in our longitudinal study on adolescents and adults with autism and their families.