Category Archives: Research Studies

The Pathways to an Autism Diagnosis Study

It is very difficult for both parents and autistic individuals to seek out a diagnosis in Canada. For this reason, the Cognisant Lab is conducting a study at Wilfrid Laurier University to try to better understand common obstacles that people face and to understand the pathway that is followed while trying to obtain an autism diagnosis in Canada. The study is looking for participants 18+ years in age who have obtained autism diagnosis as an adult or have attempted to obtain an autism diagnosis as an adult in Canada, or a parent of children who has obtained or has attempted to obtain an autism diagnosis for their child in Canada. If you are interested in participating, you will be asked to provide information through a secure online survey on when you first suspected you and/or your child may be autistic, the steps taken to obtain a diagnosis, resources that were helpful and unhelpful, and information about your and/or your child’s autistic traits. The survey will take about 15-45 minutes to complete and upon completion you will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card.

For more information about the study or to volunteer for the study, please contact: [email protected]

Study on Adult Autism Diagnostic Assessment

The Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP Lab), directed by Dr. Connor Kerns, is currently recruiting autistic adults and clinical professionals for an upcoming study!

The goal of this study is to establish a consensus between both autistic adults and expert clinicians around ideal assessment practices for diagnosing autistic adults. Through this effort, we hope to contribute to the development of more collaborative, effective, and inclusive diagnostic practices for autistic adults.

Brief study details

We are seeking input from autistic individuals who have received an autism diagnosis in adulthood (18+) within the last 5 years.

We are also seeking input from clinical professionals who have a minimum of 5 years of experience diagnosing autism in adults.

Eligible participants will complete three online surveys spread over several months, with each survey taking approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

Participants will receive $20 CAD per survey completed via an Amazon Gift Card.

To learn more about the study and/or to complete a short study eligibility survey (3-5 minutes), please visit the link provided below, or scan the barcode in the study advertisement.

Eligibility screener for autistic adults: 

https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bkY4GMhUqA7qsKy

Eligibility screener for clinical professionals:

https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_85Pqo4CQ1foxysK

Calling for Adolescent Perspectives on the PEERS Social Skills Program

PEERS is one of the few evidence-based social skills interventions for adolescents on the spectrum. However, neurodiversity advocates have been increasingly critical of the use of social skills programs for folks on the spectrum, due to the potentially negative social-emotional consequences of social camouflaging. Thus, this study aims to explore the social validity from the perspectives of adolescents on the spectrum.

Understanding Common Experiences for Families of Individuals with Down Syndrome in British Columbia: Education Survey

The purpose of this survey is to understand the educational experience of children with Down syndrome, in grades K-12 or recently graduated from a public, private or independent school, in British Columbia. This survey will probe participants about experiences in and out of the classroom, the IEP experience, and the perceived quality of educational services. 

This research study is led by Dr Holden Chow (Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Practice, UBC), in partnership with Down syndrome BC (“DSBC”). DSBC is a volunteer-driven organization made up of parents, caregivers and siblings of individuals with Down syndrome. 

The goal of Down syndrome BC (“DSBC”) is to use the results of this study to educate and advocate for change, where necessary, within the education community of British Columbia. Response to this survey will help direct these efforts. There is no direct benefit to participation in this study.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

  • Primary caregiver of a child with Down syndrome
  • Child with Down syndrome is currently in grades K-12 (for 2023-2024 school year) OR has attended high school in the past three years
  • Child attends a ‘brick-and-mortar’ school (public, private or independent school) OR has attended a ‘brick-and-mortar’ school in the last three years
  • Currently residing in British Columbia

A study of accessibility barriers in the built environment, transportation, and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies)

Commissioned by Accessibility Standards Canada, the New Brunswick Community College Information and Communication Technologies Research team is researching barriers related to accessibility in the built environment, transportation, and ICT. NBCC-ICTR is conducting online interviews / surveys (questions approved by NBCC’s Research Ethics Board) to discover accessibility barriers.

NBCC-ICTR is looking for 4 cohorts to be interviewed/surveyed:

Must be 18 years or older.

– Individuals with disabilities
– Caretakers of adults with disabilities
– Experts of disabilities
– Managers of disabilities programs / organizations

Our homepage: https://nbcc.ca/applied-research