Category Archives: Research Studies

The Type of Passion and Optimal Functionning in Autism

One of the diagnostic criteria for autism is the presence of interests that are atypical in intensity or focus. These are often perceived by parents and caregivers as harmful, and are targets for autism interventions. Yet their consequences are still poorly understood, and not reported by autistic individuals themselves. According to the dualistic passion theory, an activity can be associated with positive and negative consequences, depending on the type of passion involved (obsessive or harmonious). This conceptual framework has never been applied to an autistic population, in whom restricted interests can resemble passions.

The aim of this project is to better understand the links between autistic people’s passion for their preferred activity and its consequences on optimal functioning. An online study comprising of questionnaires is being carried out with young adults with autism between the ages of 14 and 30.

This research has the potential to bring important nuance to the adaptive role of preferred interests, as perceived by people with autism. It could contribute to the recognition of the lever for intervention and social integration that these interests can represent.

 

Sensory Experiences in Autism

Do you ever wonder how different sounds and noises impact your daily life? We are conducting a study to explore sensory experiences in autistic (or not) individuals, with diverse backgrounds. It’s a chance to share your unique perspectives and contribute to our understanding of sensory phenomena.

 

Your input will play a crucial role in uncovering the intricacies of sensory experiences and their influence on our lives. By participating, you’ll help us pave the way for future insights, potential interventions, and support systems.  It will take a max of 8 minutes to complete.

 

Joining is simple! Just click the link below to access our quick questionnaire and share your experiences. Your responses will remain anonymous and confidential. If you’re interested in learning more about the study aims, procedures, privacy measures, and more, please click the link below. It will provide you with all the necessary information before you decide to participate. 

 

🔗 Survey Link (and extra info!): https://fmru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ebuUa3rNw9O3kuW  

 

We truly appreciate your time and contribution to this exciting study. Thank you for being a part of our research journey!

 

Warm regards,

Elena Sofia Silva and Dr. James Trujillo

Radboud University

Adapting screen-time management guidelines into individualized behavioural programs for families of children with autism

We are recruiting families of children aged 5 to 12 years old with autism spectrum disorder.

About the study:

Screen-based technologies such as television, computers, video games, tablets etc. have become standard tools in education, health, recreation, and social contexts for children with autism. Managing screen time can be challenging for any parent, but particularly for parents of children on the autism spectrum. The research team recently developed guidelines for famililes and children with autism around managing screen time that are freely available as a website. Now, they are looking at how to turn these guidelines into a behavioural program that families can use, supported by a behaviour analyst.

In this study, families of children with autism spectrum disorder will be asked to try an individualized screen time management behavioural program for 6-8 weeks with specific screen time goals that are important to the family. During one week at the start and one week at the end of the program, families will measure their child’s emotions, behaviours, physical activity, screen time at home. This will involve the use of questionnaires administered via smartphones as well as wearable devices to track activity levels throughout the day. At the end of the study, families will be interviewd about their experience.

By participating in this study, families will have a chance to help future familes naviagte screen-time challenges. In addition, participating familes will receive up to $200 in gift cards to thank them for their time. 

Exploring the Social Validity of the PEERS® Social Skills Program for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how adolescents on the autism spectrum view the PEERS® program. The PEERS® program is a social skills program designed for adolescents on the autism spectrum. Adolescents’ views will help us determine whether the PEERS® program is viewed as useful by the target demographic. We are especially interested in how the program may impact their identity.

SCHEMA Study: Autistic Adult Participants Needed for UBC Study

Study Title: The Social Communication, Historical Experiences, Memory and Affect (SCHEMA) Study

Description: SCHEMA is a three-part study that includes one in-person visit at UBC (1-2 hours) involving eye tracking and two online sessions (45 minutes each). The study takes approximately 3.5 hours total for autistic participants. Participants will receive $52.50 in the form of an Amazon gift card.

Eligibility: To participate, participants must be…

  • 18-30 yrs old
  • fluent in English
  • have no history of colour blindness, intellectual disability, psychosis, seizure, epilepsy, eye surgeries, head injury (last 6 months), eye movement abnormalities, glasses with more than one power

How do you sign up?

If interested, please fill out the eligibility screener survey (~3min) here. 

Study Contacts:
Principle Investigator: Dr. Connor Kerns, Ph.D.
Primary Contact: Kate Rho (Research coordinator)

This study has been approved by University of British Columbia’s Behaviour Research Ethics Board (ID: H23-00378).