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.

This study by University of British Columbia will investigate the association between implementation of a group parent training model of family centred positive behaviour support (FCPBS) delivered via telepractice and: (a) improvements in child behaviours that challenge and positive engagement across the day with family members; and (b) global improvements in child and family functioning. Six families of children with autism will participate. Two facilitators will conduct a 14-week group parent training workshop on universal positive behaviour supports. Parents will record data on: (a) child behaviours that challenge; and (b) child positive engagement. Parents also will complete questionnaires on global family and child functioning. See the Study Flyer for details.

If you are interested in participating the study, please contact the principal investigator, Dr. Joseph Lucyshyn at [email protected] or Erin Badduke at [email protected].

Researchers at the University of Alberta are attempting to improve the life outcomes of families affected by Neurodevelopmental Disorders by developing a chatbot. The verification of engagement strategies used in the Chatbot is critical to improve families’ experiences with the application. The research team is currently in the process of running Focus Groups that are one-time 45~60-minute online sessions with 1-4 other individuals. Parents who have a child with Neurodevelopmental Disorders are invited for these focus groups. They will answer questions about their preferences for specific engagement strategies and converse with other participants in a Zoom meeting format.

For more information, please see the Study Flyer. If you are interested in participating, please contact Mahdieh Yousef at [email protected].

The purpose of this study is to learn about the strengths of families of children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brief study description: We will be collecting information through a brief online survey made up of questionnaires. The questionnaires will ask you questions about your child’s behaviour, parenting, and family dynamics. We will also ask if you have a partner who shares the child rearing responsibilities with you, to please share the survey with them. All information will remain confidential. The survey will take approximately 30-45 minutes.

Participation requirements: To be eligible to participate in this study, you must be a caregiver of a child between 2 and 18 years of age residing in Canada or the United States.

Why participate? By taking part in this study, your contribution will help to improve the lives of families with a child with and without ASD and/or ADHD and allow clinicians to more effectively implement parent-child and family intervention programs. You will also be entered to win one of ten $50 Amazon eGift Cards!

Contact Karis Cochrane at [email protected] for more information, or sign up here.