Researchers from Western University are seeking autistic adults and parents/caregivers of autistic individuals residing in Canada for participation in a brief survey to share their experiences and opinions regarding speech-language pathology (SLP) services for autistic children and youth. Participants will have the opportunity to be compensated for their participation.

This project aims to explore: (a) the lived-experience of autistic individuals and their families who have received speech and language therapy services, and (b) autistic individuals’ and families’ current values and needs for optimal SLP service delivery for autistic clients. A cross-sectional anonymous, online survey will be distributed to autistic persons (18 years+) and parents of autistic children who have received SLP services and currently reside in Canada. Survey findings will inform the development of a comprehensive, community partner-informed Guidance Document for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who work with autistic children and youth. Click here to complete the survey.

Contact principal investigator Dr. Amanda Binns, PhD, SLP-CCC for more information [email protected].

Researchers at the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing are looking for individuals to provide input for developing and testing an online training resource for supporting parents raising a child on the autism spectrum. The researchers have developed this online survey to gather input from both parents of children on the autism spectrum as well as service providers about their interests and preferences about different types of safety related information and format for web-based resources. The main goal of this study is to develop and evaluate a website pertaining to safety issues for children on the autism spectrum and provide resources for families and recreation personnel to support active and safe recreation participation. 

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete: Parent/Provider Online Survey

Contact Dr. Lise Olsen at [email protected] or see the study poster for more details.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are investigating teachers’ perspective on the student-teacher relationship quality with elementary-aged female students with autism spectrum disorder. The study is looking for current or previous elementary-school teachers to complete a 15-minute online survey. Participants are eligible to participate if they have taught in the past three years an elementary school-aged female students with ASD, were a full-time teacher at the time in a mainstream/inclusive school, taught within Canada, and are proficient in English. As a thank you for participating, participants will be given a chance to enter a draw to win one of ten $20 gift cards.

Contact Melissa Lazo at [email protected] for more information.

Researchers at Hollandview Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation are looking for adults, aged 40 years and older, who have an ASD diagnosis, with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing, to participate in a study on aging. The purpose of this study is to understand how aging happens to develop better supports for autistic adults. What’s involved? You will be asked to answer questionnaires, undergo cognitive assessments, and have brain scans. Participation involves two sessions: one initial session and another after 4 years. Participants will receive $100 per study session as reimbursement. You can also request the results of your testing.

For information or to participate, contact Daman Rehal at [email protected].

Researchers at Western University are interested in what people know about common events and how people communicate. They are looking for autistic and non-autistic adults and children to participate in an online study.

Who can participate?

• Adults (18 and older) who are autistic or non-autistic
• Children (aged 9-17) who are autistic or non-autistic, and their parents/guardians
• Participants must be English speakers.

What is involved?

The study has three parts: 1. Filling out personality/behaviour questionnaires. (For children under 18, this would be completed by a parent or guardian.); 2. Completing a task about ordering the steps people do during common events (like going to the movies); 3. Having a Zoom call for language and knowledge tasks with the researcher.

Participants will answer questions about words, sentences, and pictures. A device with a reliable internet connection would be needed for the study. In total, the study may take up to 3 hours. Participants will be given $30 CAD for participating in the study. If you (or your child) want to participate or have questions, please email Kara Hannah at [email protected].