Service

PEARLS Faculty, Investigators, and Staff are committed to bridging the gap that sometimes occurs between the autism research that is conducted and the practitioners, children, and families who can utilize the knowledge generated. Therefore, PEARLS includes several initiatives aimed at providing the most up-to-date evidence-based information to community groups and individuals. The Community Screening Network is a committee of individuals from agencies and programs across the state focused on identifying and enhancing screening efforts in North Carolina. Currently PEARL Faculty and Investigators are conducting two Treatment Studies (one with infants and toddlers at-risk for autism, the other with preschoolers with autism) aimed at comparing treatment effects across varied conditions. PEARLS Faculty, Investigators, and Staff also present numerous scientific papers and posters, conduct national, state, and local workshops and in-service activities, and sponsor visiting scholars, which are listed under Community Outreach and Education. Finally, PEARLS is continuing to develop materials and Information for Professionals to aid providing services to children with autism and their families.