In recognition of the importance of early social skill development for children with prenatal alcohol exposure, Project Bruin Buddies was
initiated using an empirically derived parent assisted social skills training approach. Results of the study were that children in the
treatment group showed a significant improvement in the quality of their play with other children, a greater knowledge regarding appropriate
social behaviors, improved overall social skills, and a reduction in problem behaviors compared to the control group. Furthermore, they
continued to show improvement at 3-month follow up. Given the success of this intervention program, we now have embarked on Project Best
Buddies and will be working with a local mental health agency to determine how best to adapt and implement the intervention in the
community. In this way, we hope to bridge the transition between university based research and community implementation. Following
successful community implementation, we propose to disseminate this social skills intervention approach using a train-the-trainer model that
will be offered to other mental health professionals on a state and national level.
Based upon research findings of problems in social development in children with FASD, Doctors Mary J. O'Connor and Fred Frankel developed
Project Bruin Buddies, using an evidence based manualized treatment procedure designed to improve best friend relationships. This research
was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results of this randomized controlled study were that children in the treatment
group showed a significant improvement in the quality of their play, improved overall social skills, and a reduction in problem behaviors
compared to a control group. Given the success of this intervention program, the intervention was funded for 4 more years to translate it
into local community mental health facilities and nationally.
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Children with cerebral palsy (age 3-18 years) are needed for a study investigating bone density (strength) and treatment
using growth hormone. Children with cerebral palsy often have low bone density. Participants in this study will have an
examination of their bone density. If found to have low bone density, children may qualify to receive a trial of growth
hormone to determine its effects on bone health, growth, muscle mass, strength, and overall quality of life. This study
will last 18 months. For more information call: Melanie Shim, MD at (310) 825-6244 or Eileen Fowler, PhD, PT at (310) 825-4028.
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Children with Duchennes muscular dystrophy (6-10 years old) are needed for a study examining the effects of Albuterol
(long acting pill form) on strength and function. Participants must have had a muscle biopsy confirming their diagnosis.
Evaluations of muscle strength and physician examinations will be performed at specific intervals over the 35 week duration
of the study. For more information call: Melissa Spencer, PhD. at (310) 794-5225 or Eileen Fowler, PhD, PT at (310) 825-4028.
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Children with the spastic diplegic form of cerebral palsy (age 7-16 years) are needed for a study investigating the effect
of a stationary cycling intervention on strength and function. Children with cerebral palsy often exhibit decreased strength
and cardiorespiratory function compared to non-disabled children of similar ages. Children will be randomized to either a
cycling or a non-cycling (control) group. Both groups will receive two evaluations sessions consisting of strength testing,
functional ability tests and questionnaires. Children assigned to the intervention group will receive 30 sessions of a
stationary cycling intervention from a physical therapist over a 3 month period. There will be a choice of locations throughout
Southern California for this intervention. All children enrolled in the study will receive a free bicycle once they have completed
the study. For more information call: Eileen Fowler, PhD, PT at (310) 825-4028.
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The UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART) was established in 2003 as part of the Studies to Advance Autism Research
and Treatment (STAART) program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). UCLA is one of 8 STAART Centers in the
country, and one of 10 Collaborative Programs for Excellence in Autism (CPEA) funded by the National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development (NICHD). To find out more about UCLA CART, and studies you can participate in, visit their web site:
http://www.autism.ucla.edu
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