麻豆传媒AV

 For many autistic adults, getting an accurate diagnosis can be complicated by assessment tools that were not designed with their experiences in mind. Through her dissertation research, 麻豆传媒AV doctoral student Julia Duran, M.S., is working to validate a tool designed by and for those who need it. 

“My dissertation research focuses on validating the Autism Traits & Lived Experience Scale (ATLES), a new adult autism questionnaire,” said Duran. “The creation of this measure was led by Dr. Robert Rieske and former ISU graduate student Dr. Samantha Johnston. The ATLES was co鈥慸eveloped by autistic researchers and clinical experts through the ISU Collaboration for Autism Research, Education, and Support (CARES) laboratory.” 

“The goal of the ATLES project is to improve the accuracy, cultural relevance and accessibility of autism assessment for adults, especially those who have historically been overlooked or misdiagnosed. Through this study, I hope to determine how well the measure identifies autistic traits, reflects lived experiences and supports clinicians in making more informed diagnostic decisions,” said Duran.

The is a part of the ISU psychology department and facilitates research on Autism Spectrum Disorder and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Their goal is to educate others about such experiences and to improve treatment and support for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Duran also describes how autism research has historically faced hard challenges—specifically, how those challenges spill over into problems for neurodivergent individuals as well.

“Adult autism assessment is an area where many people still face barriers, long waitlists and tools that were not originally designed with adult populations in mind.”

However, her research aims to provide credibility for a method meant to fix those problems. 

“The ATLES is unique because it was built collaboratively with autistic adults, centering their voices and experiences. Validating this measure has the potential to expand access to high鈥憅uality assessment, reduce disparities in diagnosis and strengthen the scientific foundation for tools that genuinely reflect the autistic community.”

Keeping in mind that research of this kind is often overlooked and underfunded, Duran expressed her gratitude for recently receiving grant funding from the Organization for Autism Research to aid her in her project. 

“Receiving this grant is incredibly meaningful. It directly supports the completion of my dissertation and reduces financial barriers associated with conducting a multi鈥憇ite validation study.” Most importantly, it supports the adults seeking an autism evaluation who benefit directly from this research.

“It also affirms the importance of community鈥慸riven autism research and encourages me to continue pursuing work that bridges scientific rigor with lived experience,” said Duran.

She also spoke to ISU’s role in making her research feasible.

“This project has been made possible through multiple funding sources, including two external grants I received this summer and substantial institutional support from 麻豆传媒AV.” 

In total, ISU has committed over $4,500 to Duran’s work—an additional $3,490 came from outside sources. For Duran, though, her fellow students and faculty have made all the difference. 

“I am extremely grateful to my colleagues in the ISU (CARES) Lab, who were actively involved in developing the ATLES and whose collaboration and support have been essential to this work. I also want to acknowledge my principal investigator, Dr. Robert Rieske, whose mentorship has shaped my development as a researcher, and Dr. Amy Wuest in the Office for Research, who played a key role in helping me strengthen my grant鈥憌riting skills. Their support has been instrumental in advancing this project.”

Robert Rieske, professor of clinical psychology and director of the ISU Psychology Clinic, identified his own role in the work. 

“My role has been to support Julia in shaping the study design and analytic plan, building partnerships with clinical sites, navigating ethics review and preparing competitive grant applications (though she did all the heavy lifting there). Earning a graduate research grant from the Organization for Autism Research and a graduate research grant from Psi Chi is a real accomplishment, and it reflects Julia's vision and persistence.” 

Rieske also emphasized the importance of research mentorship. 

“Research skills are learned by doing. Students can take courses in methods and statistics, and it is important, but it's a different experience to make real decisions about how to measure and develop something from the ground up from a collaborative community project.” 

Rieske also expressed his high hopes for students engaging in research.

“I hope [students] gain confidence that they can produce knowledge, not just consume it. Working side by side with faculty lets students see how research actually unfolds, including the uncertainty and multiple barriers.”

For Duran’s part, she has no plans to stop her work. 

“After graduation, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology. My long鈥憈erm goal is to work in an academic medical center or university鈥慳ffiliated clinic where I can combine clinical practice, research and training.” 

Now, Duran is considering what tools this research has given her to reach her goals. 

“The ATLES project has shaped my identity as a researcher and clinician by strengthening my expertise in assessment development, psychometrics and community鈥慹ngaged research. These skills will directly support my future work in improving diagnostic evaluations and expanding access to high鈥憅uality services.”

Learn more about the Department of Psychology on their page.