Researchers from the University of New Brunswick are seeking parents of youth with either autism and/or an intellectual disability for an online survey on quality of life during the transition to adulthood. Currently, very little is known about the transitional period for these youth. The researchers are hoping to address this knowledge gap and provide rationale for the implementation of transition planning programs for youth with developmental disabilities in Canada.

This online survey takes 20 – 30 minutes and eligible participants will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card: Online Survey.

If you have any questions about this project, contact the principal investigator, Lindsey McCullough ([email protected]). 

Many people with autism experience feeding and eating problems (e.g., picky eating, sensitivity to food textures, eating disorders), but it is not fully understood why. Body image (how someone thinks and feels about their body) plays an important role in eating disorders. This University of Calgary study aims to understand how teenage females with autism experience body image compared to their peers without autism. We will also examine how body image impacts eating and weight-control behaviours (e.g., dieting, exercise) in teens with and without autism.

Teenage girls (aged 12-17) and a parent/guardian will be asked to complete a brief phone screening and fill out online questionnaires about their eating behaviours, thoughts, and feelings about their body. As a thank you for participating, families will be entered into a draw for 1 of 30 $40 gift cards upon completion of the study.

If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact Jessica Baraskewich at [email protected] for more information.

Are you a parent who has participated in PEERS? This study is looking for parents who have completed the PEERS program within the last three years who are interested in talking about their experience with PEERS. The study is hoping to learn about ways to improve interventions for parents of adolescents with autism and to determine how to best address parent’s needs.

Parents will be asked to complete a 45 to 90-minute confidential online interview using zoom. Participants will be asked questions about their experiences throughout the PEERS intervention, including which things about their experience were helpful, which were less helpful, and what experiences would have been helpful. Participants who take part in the study will be provided with a $25 gift card as an appreciation for their time.

This study is being conducted by Brittni Thompson as part of her Master’s thesis under the supervision of Dr. William Mckee at UBC. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Brittni Thompson at [email protected].

The Sex Information & Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN), a not-for-profit organization that promotes sexual health in Canada, is running focus groups with autistic youth and youth with physical disabilities between 16 and 24 years old to better understand their dating and relationship experiences and also what sexual health information and services they need. What SIECCAN learns from these discussions will help them develop resources for service providers who work with autistic and/or disabled youth to improve sexual health promotion.

The focus groups for autistic youth are happening September 22 at 7pm ET (all Autistic youth) and September 23 at 7pm ET (Autistic youth who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color) online via Zoom. Participants will be given $75 as a thank you for their time and input.

Interested participants should email Wisdom2Action at [email protected].

The Cognisant Lab is dedicated to improving the autism diagnosis experience, aiming to assist both parents seeking a diagnosis for their child and adults seeking a diagnosis for themselves. Currently, numerous obstacles hinder these individuals. As part of this research, the Cognisant lab seeks to gain deeper insights into these barriers to an autism diagnosis in order to provide valuable information to families, adults, professionals, and policymakers.

Who can participate?
People who have obtained an autism diagnosis, faced challenges in obtaining one, or are currently navigating the process, the Cognisant Lab would greatly appreciate hearing about your experience.

Time and compensation:
This survey typically takes between 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the length of your responses. Upon completion, you will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card of your choice.

If you are interested in participating, please contact: Dr. Nichole (Nikki) Scheerer at: [email protected]

Visit https://cognisantlab.ca/current-studies/ for more information about the Cognisant Lab.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are interested in learning more about what neurodiversity-affirming care means to autistic adults.

Who are we looking for?

o Individual 19 years old or older who identify as autistic (including self-diagnosed) and neurodivergent.

o Who also have access to technology (i.e., computer, tablet, phone) and reliable internet connection to participate in the study, who live in British Columbia, Canada, and who speak fluent English.

What to expect: Completion of a short online survey and take part in an individual interview online (or you may elect to complete the interview in a written format) with approximately 1.5-hour time commitment.

For your time, you will receive a $35 gift card. Everyone who expresses an interest in the study and completes the screening questions will be entered into a draw for a $100 Visa gift card!

How do you sign up?
o Follow this Study Link to sign up: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bJVM9xQzCPQeJJs

o For more information about the study, email Juliane Dmyterko, the primary contact for the study ([email protected])

Study Contacts:
Principle Investigator: Laurie Ford, Ph.D.
Primary Contact: Juliane Dmyterko