Current Research and Scholarly Interests
Stanford Autism Intervention Clinic <br/><br/>The Autism Intervention Clinic is founded on a commitment to family-focused evaluation and treatment using the best available evidence-based methods. Our treatment philosophy embodies an emphasis on improving parent empowerment and providing parent training to make meaningful improvements in family quality of life. We are particularly interested in designing and evaluating cost-effective treatments which can be easily implemented in community settings. <br/><br/>For treatment of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we have developed effective group-based programs for treatment of core communication and social deficits in the preschool years using naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions such as Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and we have investigated the delivery of these treatments in home and community settings in several randomized controlled trials. <br/><br/>Following the success of the PRT program, several additional parent training program models have been developed at Stanford and are currently being tested, including a clinical trial of a Developmental Reciprocity Treatment program (PI: Hardan) and a pilot program evaluating telehealth delivery of PRT. In partnership with the community agency AbilityPath (formerly Gatepath/Abilities United), Dr. Gengoux also leads an innovative inclusive social skills research program focused on improving peer initiations made by children with ASD (Social SUCCESS). <br/><br/>Over the past year, our group completed in initial investigation of a novel group program using evidence-based strategies (Acceptance, Mindfulness, Optimism, Resilience; AMOR) to reduce parent stress and improve well-being. In partnership with Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Devon White, Drs. Gengoux and Hardan have launched the PAL program (Preschool Autism Lab) for investigation of novel therapies for young children with ASD in a center-based early intervention classroom.<br/><br/>Department of Psychiatry Well-being Workgroup<br/><br/>This past year has been one of accelerated activity focused on Wellness. A vibrant and diverse group of faculty, staff, and trainees are engaged in initiatives focused on enhancing broad aspects of professional fulfillment, including culture of wellness, efficiency of practice, and personal resilience. Dr. Grace Gengoux represents our department in the School of Medicine Well-being Directors Council and has been leading efforts to enhance well-being for all members of our Department community over the past year. <br/><br/>Our focus has been on tangible action we can take to enhance connection and belonging, self-compassion and leadership development, and meaningful work consistent with our professional values. Together, we are engaged in projects to enhance efficiency of our practices so that our highly trained faculty and staff can devote their time to their most meaningful professional contributions. In November, a Speed-Mentoring Reception provided an opportunity for faculty to network with mentors across the Department’s five mission areas. We have also organized Camaraderie Groups, based on data suggesting that a regular opportunity to connect with colleagues over a meal and discuss the challenges and virtues of their professional roles can improve physician sense of fulfillment and reduce burnout. <br/><br/>In March 2020, in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, our group developed a “Listening Form” to facilitate rapid communication between members of our Department and leadership teams on a wide range of topics impacting personal and professional well-being. We have also been able to rapidly organize webinars and panel discussions focused on critical well-being topics and to partner with Stanford’s WellMD/WellPhD Center to establish a network of peer support resources for health care workers affected by the outbreak.
