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, 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 led an innovative inclusive social skills research program focused on improving peer initiations made by children with ASD (Social SUCCESS). <br/><br/>Our group also recently 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/>Dr. Gengoux leads a vibrant and diverse group of faculty, staff, and trainees 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 3 years. <br/><br/>Our focus is on tangible action we can take to enhance connection and belonging, self-compassion and leadership development, and meaningful work consistent with our professional values.
