Child & Adult Autism Research and Engagement (CAARE) Lab
About Us
The CAARE Lab conducts research to help grow autism knowledge and reduce stigma to promote a better quality of life for autistic individuals worldwide. We are interested in diminishing the disparities experienced by underserved families and increasing the quality of support for neurodiverse young adults in our community.
What We Do
Current Lab Research Interests
- Developed a measure of ASD knowledge entitled, the Autism Stigma & Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) in cross-cultural contexts
- Assessing ASD knowledge or stigmas of ASD in low- and middle-income countries
- Identifying factors (individual, interpersonal, and community) that contribute to an underutilization of Early Childhood Learning Services (Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education) in local schools.
- Assessing factors that contribute to disparities in ASD assessment and treatment services
- Developing innovative interventions for teachers to help increase autism knowledge and the use of evidence-based practices across the global landscape.
Recent Publications
Examining Sociodemographic Factors Related to Autism Screening Rates of Children in Early Intervention
Harrison, A.J., Bowman, K., Bub, K., Brown, J., Lieberman-Betz, R., & Vail, C. (2025)
Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersPre-Service Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education for Autistic Students: Understanding the Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Autism Knowledge
Bowman, K., & Harrison, A.J. (2025)
Teaching and Teacher Education, 157, 104966The Development of the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire, Second Edition (ASK-Q-2) Through a Cross-Cultural Psychometric Investigation
Harrison, A.J., Madison, M., Naqvi, N., Bowman, K.L., & Campbell, J. (2025)
Autism, 29(1), 195–206A Scoping Review of Interventions Designed to Increase Behavioral Health Service Engagement
Erickson, S., Ibrahim, A., Bowman, K., Thompson, S., & Harrison, A.J. (2025)
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 32(3)Examining Sociodemographic Variability in Amount and Type of Interventions for Autistic Children Tindall, H., Bowman, K.L., & Harrison, A.J. (2024)
American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 129(6), 490–500Assessing Autism Knowledge and Stigma Across the Global Landscape Using the ASK-Q
Harrison, A.J., Naqvi, N., Smit, A.K., Nanda Kumar, P., Muhammed, N.A., Saade, S., Yu, L., Cappe, E., Low, H.M., & de Bildt, A. (2024)
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54, 1897–1911Can Participation in an Online Autism Training Enhance Attitudes Toward Inclusion, Teaching Self-Efficacy and Autism Knowledge Among Preservice Educators in Diverse Cultural Contexts?
Saade, S., Bean, Y., Gillespie-Lynch, K., Poirier, N., & Harrison, A.J. (2024)
International Journal of Inclusive Education, 28(2), 161–176Identifying Factors Related to Successful Enrollment in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education
Harrison, A.J., Bhimani, S.K., Allen, F.E., Lieberman-Betz, R., & Neuharth-Pritchett, S. (2024)
Early Childhood Education Journal, 52, 2039–2051
Join Our Research Lab
Graduate Students
Dr. Harrison will not be accepting graduate applications for the 2026 application cycle.
Undergraduate Students
Students can participate in the lab by contacting Dr. Harrison . Students accepted into the lab must enroll in EPSY 4010.
Participate in Research
We are conducting a study to gain diverse perspectives about an internationally used screener for developmental disabilities. This research is designed to better understand the need for cultural adaptation in the use of developmental screeners.
The University of Maryland at College Park’s Autism, Family, Culture, and Communication Education Lab (ACCEL; PI: Dr. Veronica Kang) is seeking parents of individuals with or without a developmental disability to participate in a study that examines their perspectives on inclusive education and neurodiversity.
Courses Related to CAARE Lab
Services
Autism Evaluations at the UGA School Psychology Clinic
The School Psychology Clinic in the College of Education provides comprehensive autism spectrum disorder diagnostic evaluations as well as psychoeducational evaluations.
UGA Peer Support Group
The peer support group serves as a weekly opportunity where individuals with autism can express their concerns to other adults on the autism spectrum. In this group, we discuss topics that are of needs and/or interest to the group members. Topics have included communication, relationships and dating, time management, self-esteem, disclosure, social nuances, and dealing with stress. Email the Peer Support Group for more information about the group.
UGA Campus Coaches
Campus Coaches is a part of the UGA Resources Inspiring Student Excellence (UGA RISE) initiative. Campus Coaches pairs a UGA student with ASD with a veteran UGA student who will assist their peers on activities such as navigating campus areas, navigating public transportation, social skill advancement (e.g., communicating with friends and professors) or just to meet occasionally for coffee or a slice of pizza. Any interested UGA undergraduate students with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can participate.
To learn more or sign up for the program, please email Campus Coaches with the following information:
- What kind of help are you looking for?
- What is the best way to contact you (email, phone, or text)?
Community Resources
Advocacy
The Autism Advocacy Board consists of autistic community members and other university stakeholders (e.g., graduate students, faculty, and disability resource staff) who collaborate initiatives promoting acceptance and awareness of autism on campus. Interested individuals can email the CAARE Lab .
Completed Initiatives
Faculty Presentation (Fall 2024): Presented to faculty on the importance of accommodations and student resources, delivered mostly by self-advocates
Resource List (Fall 2024): Compiled a list of providers who conduct adult autism assessments, resources for services, and support groups
Autism Acceptance Month Flyering (Spring 2025): Distributed flyers to help non-autistic students learn about their neurodiverse peers and how to support them
Autism Acceptance Month Tabling (Spring 2026): Tabled at Aderhold Hall to share information and resources for Autism Acceptance Month
Upcoming Initiatives
Healthcare Survey (Spring 2026, in progress): A research project on the healthcare experiences of neurodiverse individuals
Supporting Teaching Assistant Course (Spring 2026, planned): A supplement to the TA training course that provides information on the role of accommodations and promotes awareness of neurodiversity; provided handouts at the GradTeach Resource Fair
In Loving Memory
Brianna Cochran
November 30, 1994 – March 25, 2015
Brianna was an undergrad research assistant in the CAARE lab. She loved working with kids and planned to be a pediatric surgeon. She enjoyed traveling and learning about the world. Brianna was truly a lovely young woman, inside and out. Her vibrancy, kindness, and extraordinary gift for making others feel special will be something that we will miss every day.
Contact Info
School Psychology Clinic:
- scpsycl@uga.edu
- 706-542-4265
Peer Support Group and Campus Coaches:
General lab contact:
- caarelab@uga.edu
- 706-542-9712