Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training

Being a parent of a child with a disability often means you need help — but you don't always know where to get it. That can feel especially true in rural areas.

The Kansas Family Support Center, part of the Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training, is a statewide resource for Kansas children and youth with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities ( ), and other disabilities.

Individuals can find education, training, and support — even an expert-trained chatbot to help connect you to local resources — no matter where in you call home. Learn more at: https://kfsc.ku.edu

📲 THRIVE- Virtual Health App
Who: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ages 18+)
What: Test out a healthy lifestyle app on your phone for 6 weeks
Format: The app has video lessons about exercise, healthy eating, sleep and more. No travel required!
Cost: Free to join; participants receive compensation.
👉 Learn more: Contact Joe Sherman [email protected] (913) 574-2447

P A R T I C I P A T E I N
AUTISM RESEARCH

We are looking for autistic individuals 8-35 years old.

We welcome people with:
Intellectual disability
Profound autism
Behaviors that others find challenging
Different styles of communication (including minimally verbal or non-verbal individuals).

Participants will be compensated for their time.

Contact us at:
https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=JATAPCALRN
Phone: 785-864-4461
Email: [email protected]
Website: BRAINlab.ku.edu

Who we are
The Biobehavioral Research on Autism, Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental disabilities (BRAIN) Laboratory is interested in understanding brain development and how it relates to the variety of different symptoms, behaviors, and abilities that are present in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Get to know us with our 6 Question Series with researchers and staff. Today, we're highlighting Sean Swindler, Director of Community Program Development and Evaluation at Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training.

🔗 Read the Q&A: https://loom.ly/nTIjADA

The more you know ...

The risk of wandering off is higher for children, who also tend to be attracted to water. National month is a good reminder to be mindful of ways you can keep your child safe.

Check out these 5 essential steps from Kansas LEND for managing wandering and ensuring first responders have the details they need to help: https://loom.ly/_FVkzDU

Kansas ABA Providers:

Please fill out this link to receive Teams invitation:
https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=KHKYMTWRDHTFNADH

Wed. Feb. 25th
11am – Noon

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) invites ABA providers to a discussion on the Kansas Autism Waiver. We want to hear from providers of Medicaid early-intervention Autism services in Kansas.

Currently, children can access waiver services when they are than 5 years, 374 days of age provided they have a diagnosis of autism, meet eligibility, and a spot opens up on the waiver.

The waiver currently offers 2 services: Respite and Parent Support and Training
The waiver currently has families across the State of Kansas

Note – We will not be able to discuss rates for current services as we cannot control the current rates. We are interested in waiver development/enhancement ideas to ensure the autism waiver allows families with young children (under the age of 5) access to services.

So, we want you to put your thinking cap on and help us redesign the waiver!!!!

We are interested in your ideas about:
• Autism Waiver
o eligibility
o age
o transitioning to other waivers/programs
o New waiver services that are needed or re-imagining of current waiver services to make it more robust and meaningful for families
o Provider requirements for these services including training requirements.

• Agency Support/Education
o What support would your agency or you as a provider require to serve more families through the Autism Waiver, such as:
 Access to training
 Support for travel
 Provider recruitment

KUCD Director and Ross and Marianna Beach Distinguished Professor in Special Education Dr. Karrie Shogren received the 2026 Education Award from The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)!
Learn more about the work we do at KUCD: kucd.ku.edu/about

KUCD Director and Ross and Marianna Beach Distinguished Professor in Special Education Dr. Karrie Shogren received the 2026 Education Award from The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)!

Learn more about the work we do at KUCD: kucd.ku.edu/about

Research Opportunity for people aged 16-40.
The KU Center on Autism Research and Training is recruiting for a study that examines the effects of a medication named Pimavanserin on behavioral rigidity and restrictive repetitive behavior within individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.
To volunteer, participants should:
• Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Be between the ages of 16-40
• Have a caregiver who is willing to help complete study activities
Participation will last up to 10 weeks, which includes up to 6 visits to the lab. These visits will be conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. Participants will be compensated at a rate of $50 per study visit. All procedures have been approved by our local Institutional Review Boards.

If you or a family member is interested in hearing more, please contact the research team at 785-864-4461 or email [email protected] or fill out screener below:

https://data.lsi.ku.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=KE3RK97TXEHW4ECR