Research Laboratory

McDonald Lab

Leadership

Nicole McDonald, PhD
Principal Investigator

Contact Info

McDonald Lab Website

760 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA

About

The McDonald Lab is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a specific emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Our research endeavors are centered around gaining deeper insights into these disorders and their underlying mechanisms. Our primary goal is to contribute to the expanding knowledge and comprehension of neurodevelopmental conditions and genetic disorders.

Our mission is to conduct research that integrates brain-based methodologies and naturalistic behavioral assessments to unravel the complexities of early social and emotional development in at-risk infants and toddlers.

We employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates brain-based methods such as Electroencephalography (EEG) with naturalistic behavioral assessments. By combining these techniques, we aim to gain valuable insights into the complex dynamics of early social and emotional development in infants at an increased risk for ASD. In addition to our focus on early social and emotional development in infants at risk for ASD, our lab is actively involved in research pertaining to individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We aim to test the efficacy of an evidence-based intervention tailored to preschool-aged children who exhibit behavior problems. By evaluating the outcomes of these treatments, we strive to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding effective therapeutic approaches for this specific population.

Additionally, our lab is examining the associations between maternal basal salivary oxytocin levels and mother-infant interaction. We explore the concurrent and longitudinal connections between these variables to gain a deeper understanding of how oxytocin levels relate to the quality of mother-infant interactions. This research contributes to our overall goal of promoting positive mother-infant relationships and enhancing the well-being of both mothers and infants.

By delving into these diverse research areas, we aim to not only advance knowledge but also inform evidence-based practices in the fields of neurodevelopmental disorders and at-risk infants. Our ongoing commitment to uncovering the complexities of early social and emotional development is fueled by the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families facing these challenges.

Our Team

Nicole McDonald, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Assistant Clinical Professor
Camila Ferrario, MS LMFT
Behavioral Health Specialist
Corinna Klein, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Viviana Rodriguez
Staff Research Associate
Ying Yan
Research Assistant Volunteer
Jaquelin Trujillo
Volunteer
Jacqueline Nguyen
Research Assistant Volunteer

Participate in Research

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Minimally Verbal Autistic Children and Their Families (Currently enrolling English & Spanish speaking participants!)

Your child may be eligible for this study if they have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and:

Are 3–5 years old
Do not yet talk or use minimal language
English or Spanish is the primary language spoken in your home
You live anywhere in the United States

Study flyer

Click on the following link and fill in your information to get contacted by our study team!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLT9-MdmZYSfWp0lTC2jQVb34nXxYv-iCDUAR0LMdUtQVedA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Su hijo(a) puede ser elegible para este estudio si tiene un diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y:

Tiene entre 3 y 5 años de edad
Aún no habla o utiliza lenguaje mínimo
El inglés o el español es el idioma principal que se habla en su hogar
Vive en cualquier lugar de los Estados Unidos

Volante en español

Haz clic en el siguiente enlace y completa tu información para que nuestro equipo de estudio pueda ponerse en contacto contigo: Haz clic en el siguiente enlace y completa tu información para que nuestro equipo de estudio pueda ponerse en contacto contigo:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDlrgJM35ffhlR3hCVl22P-GIRPTCzmj4SrbD789yVjO_-hQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Postpartum Depression (Currently enrolling participants!)

UCLA Researchers Are Studying a Dyadic Treatment for Mothers With Postpartum Depression

You may be eligible for this study if you have a baby 3 to 12 months of age and have experienced new symptoms of depression since having your baby.

This study involves:

2 virtual assessment visits
6 virtual treatment sessions

Study Flyer

NESTING Study

Neurodevelopment and Early Social-Emotional Trajectories In NICU Graduates

We are interested in better understanding early brain and social development in infants who had early medical issues requiring a NICU stay. This research will help us learn how to better support and help babies with early medical issues and their families. This study is a collaborative effort between the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment and High-Risk Infant Follow-up Clinic.

Your baby may be eligible for this study if he/she:

Is 6 months old or younger (adjusted age)
Has a history of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization

Flyer

We are no longer enrolling participants for this study.

SSRI Study

Infant Attachment Security and Perinatal Depression: The Effect of SSRI Treatment on Salivary Oxytocin Levels and Early Mother-Infant Interactions

UCLA researchers are studying the relationship between Oxytocin and the mother-infant relationship in mothers with and without postpartum depression

You may be eligible for this study if you have a baby 6 months of age or younger, and:

You have new symptoms of depression since having your baby

You are not experiencing symptoms of depression