Past Studies by MacART Members
The list below shows completed research studies and projects that were conducted by MacART members and our partners and collaborators.
Development of a standardized measure of social-communication abilities for children with neurodevelopmental disorders – the Developmental Assessment of Social Communication Abilities (DASCA)
Funded By:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Researchers:
Dr. Somer Bishop, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This project is working to develop a measure of social-communication ability that can be used to describe baseline levels of ability and then capture subsequent stability or change in Autistic children or other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The new measure will be a parent-report, computer-administered questionnaire and will stand apart from other assessments of social-communication by measuring abilities rather than impairments.
Approximate Study Period:
August 2017 – June 2022
SAAAC Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic – 2020 Replication
Funded by:
Autism Speaks Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Mohammad Zubairi, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Anna Kata, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic (M-DOC) is a mobile screening clinic developed to provide assessments to underserved populations with the hopes of decreasing the diagnosis age and allowing access to early interventions more quickly. Feedback from the initial phase of the M-DOC project (2019) indicated parents wanted additional support during the 16-week waiting period to see a developmental specialist. To enhance the M-DOC pathway, the SAAAC Autism Centre is partnering with local organizations to provide a 6-week parent-led intervention that teaches parents to deliver a Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). The goal of the program is to support parents in improving their child’s social communication skills. MacART is helping to conduct the evaluation component of this study.
Approximate Study Period:
November 2020 – January 2022
The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study – PILOT PHASE
Funded By:
McMaster Children’s Hospital, McMaster University, the Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Project of Grand Master Paul E Todd-2017-19.
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Teresa Bennett, Dr. Caroline Roncadin, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This study will serve as the foundation for establishing an Autism Research Protocol that can be embedded into clinical practice and allow for the ongoing collection of data on all children who receive an Autism diagnosis in our region. The plan for this 3-year initiative will be to develop a protocol for data to be collected at various time points, from diagnosis and over a 2-year period.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2018 – December 2021
Investigating the acceptability of the Family Check-up (FCU) program for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded by:
Hamilton Health Sciences Research Strategic Initiatives
Researchers:
Dr. Teresa Bennett, Dr. Vivian Lee, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The Family Check-up is a brief, evidence-based, assessment-driven intervention that uses a strength-based and motivational interviewing approach to engage caregivers in the prevention and treatment of child emotional and behavioural problems (EBP). Although this intervention has been well studied in the United States, Dr. Bennett and other MacART members are the first research group to investigate the utility of the FCU program in Canada, in addition to its acceptability for families of Autistic children and EBP. This feasibility project will provide invaluable insight into the critical components to consider when implementing and adapting established intervention for a new population (i.e., Autism) as well as areas that require additional consideration when embedding a new intervention into a new healthcare system.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2019 – December 2021
Understanding and treating neurological phenotypes in the 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome
Funded By:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Karun Singh and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The project studies a strong genetic risk factor in which individuals who are missing a piece of human chromosome 15 (called a microdeletion) can be Autistic, or have schizophrenia, epilepsy, or developmental delay. The researchers believe their approach will illuminate what factors contribute to the different clinical symptoms seen in this syndrome, and lead to better disease classification, closer monitoring of symptoms and possibly early intervention.
Approximate Study Period:
September 2018 – September 2021
Understanding the function of DIXDC1 in normal and abnormal brain development
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Karun Singh and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This project is studying a new candidate molecule called DIXDC1 to determine its role in brain cell growth, synapse development and the biological and physical origins of Autism. The study will examine DIXDC’s role in synaptic function, and explore a novel signaling pathway regulating DIXDC1 function. Importantly, the team has discovered new Autism-linked mutations in DIXDC1 and will examine how these human mutations cause changes in bra.
Approximate Study Period:
September 2018 – September 2021
Mental Health Matters – evaluation of the Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) and Mood Walks programs
Funded By:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Mackenzie Salt and Colleagues.
Study Description:
MacART is supporting the evaluation of adaptations to the Living Life to the Full (LLTTF) and Mood Walks programs. LLTTF is a mental health promotion course designed to help people deal with everyday life challenges and learn self-management skills using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. This program has been adapted to the needs of different types of populations (including caregivers, older adults, youth, post-secondary students, different ethnocultural groups). LLTTF has now been adapted for Autistic participants and their caregivers. Mood Walks is designed to encourage and support the mental and physical health of participants through exposure to the healing effects of nature, participation in physical activity and engagement with their community.
Approximate Study Period:
August 2019 – July 2021
More Information:
The program is running in a number of locations where partner organizations are actively recruiting. If anyone would like to participate in the (now virtual) Living Life to the Full program, please contact Autism Ontario. The Mood Walks program has been put on hold due to COVID-19.
To find more information and to contact a program lead near you, please visit: https://www.autismontario.com/programs-services/18-and-over/mental-health-matters
BrothErs and Sister Involvement in health care TranSition for youth wIth Brain-based disabilitieS (BEST SIBS) Study
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Fellowship: Patient-Oriented Research Awards – Transition to Leadership Stream – Phase I
Researchers:
Dr. Linda Nguyen, Dr. Marjolijn Ketelaar, Dr. Briano Di Rezze, Dr. Susan Jack, Dr. Jan Willem Gorter, in partnership with the Sibling Youth Advisory Council.
Study Description:
As children with disabilities grow up and become adults, they will move from their pediatric to adult health care providers. Health care transition can be a challenging process to navigate and youth often need help from their family members, including siblings. We are collaborating with the Sibling Youth Advisory Council who identified this research project as important in raising awareness about siblings’ roles. The purpose of this study is to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities held by siblings in supporting their brother or sister with a brain-based disability to prepare for health care transition. Information from this study can help to develop and tailor transition resources to support siblings. The progress to date of the BEST SIBS Study has also been posted on the CanChild website (link).
Approximate Study Period:
March 2020 – June 2021
The Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey
Funded By:
Autism Speaks Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Jonathan Lai, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The McMaster Autism Research Team partnered with Autism Speaks Canada and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance to develop, implement, and analyze the Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment – a survey where respondents shared their experiences to help inform on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2020 – October 2020
More Information:
This website highlights some key takeaways from the results of the survey and links to full and highlights survey reports. Please also see this news article released by MacART about our involvement in this initiative.
The Social Determinants of Children’s Developmental Health
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Magdalena Janus, Dr. Eric Duku, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Teresa Bennett, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
To establish and analyze the first pan-Canadian population-level database on children’s developmental health that contains information about groups of people with shared social and economic characteristics, such as their income or occupations. From 2016 to 2018, Canada-wide Early Development Instrument (EDI) records from 2004 to 2014, representing over 700,000 children, will be linked to Canada Census and Income Tax filer data. Data about social and economic status derived from these databases will be used to predict how vulnerable children may be to poor health and social developmental in different neighbourhoods.
Approximate Study Period:
July 2015 – March 2020
SAAAC Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic
Funded By:
Autism Speaks Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Anna Kata, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
Minority families of low socioeconomic status may be more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis due to several reasons including language barriers, cultural stigma, lack of networks, and unfamiliarity with navigating the developmental health system. The South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC) works to support new Canadian and low-income families in accessing developmental health care. From 2018-2020, SAAAC ran the Mobile Developmental Outreach Clinic (M-DOC), funded by Autism Speaks Canada, that provided developmental assessments and screening in low-income, racially diverse urban populations to help put families on a path to diagnosis and early intervention. MacART is helping to conduct the evaluation component of this study.
Approximate Study Period:
September 2019 – March 2020
Preventable Health Inequalities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded by:
Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades and Colleagues.
Study Description:
Investigate whether or not adaptive functioning skills in Autistic children are related to social and economic inequalities; and examine the extent to which these inequalities are associated with wait-time to treatment initiation.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2016 – December 2019
Correction of Neuronal Function in Autism
Funded By:
The Brain Canada Foundation, The Azrieli Foundation
Researchers:
Dr. Laurie Doering and Colleagues.
Study Description:
In the developing brain, cells called astrocytes produce substances that help to ensure that communication signals in the brain are normal. Astrocytes and the substances they make are affected in Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, altering the brain functions that control learning, memory, and behaviour. Researchers will use different biological and genetic techniques to attempt to correct the communication patterns in the brain. Both mice and fruit flies (Drosophila) will be used to model this condition. The study’s results will help determine if there are ways to counteract the intellectual and social differences associated with Autism, leading to new treatment strategies.
Approximate Study Period:
May 2014 – April 2019
Investing in Primary and Secondary Prevention: Economic Forecasting to Inform Policies Regarding Amortization of Program Costs
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), J.W. McConnell Foundation
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This project is a collaboration with CHEPA – the Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis – and includes a multidisciplinary group of experts. The research has two goals: 1. To develop a framework that lays an analytic foundation to support implementation of cost amortization in prevention and early intervention; and 2. To conduct four economic forecasting simulations that illustrate the analytic framework in action in the areas identified by CIHR in the call for proposals. One of the four simulations is an integrated Autism program based on intensive behavioural interventions and applied behaviour analysis (child and youth health).
Approximate Study Period:
May 2018 – April 2019
Expanding Summer Employment Opportunities for Adolescents and ASD in the Job-Train Program
Funded By:
Autism Speaks Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Briano Di Rezze, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Teresa Bennett, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This study aims to replicate the Job-Train Program, as it is the only paid summer employment program that integrates employment training, support and experience for Autistic adolescents. Over the 13-week program, students learn skills and receive support in a weekly Job Club with peers and job coaches. The Job Club is paired with an 8-week paid summer work experience on the McMaster campus (2 half days/week). This unique program integrates involvement from parents and educators to ensure that new learning is generalized to home and future co-op.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2018 – January 2019
The TIDE (tideglusib) Study
Funded by:
Ontario Brain Institute, Brain Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Dr. Teresa Bennett, Robert Nicolson, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Network (POND) is conducting new research to learn whether or not the medication tideglusib has a positive effect on social behaviour or repetitive behaviours in Autistic children between the ages 12 to 17 who have a diagnosis.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2016 – June 2017
Job Training Program – Preparing youth with autism spectrum disorder for employment: A cross-context transitions approach
Funded By:
Autism Speaks Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Briano Di Rezze, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Teresa Bennett, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
Most Autistic young people leave school without the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, in this program study, youth will be given the opportunity to learn those skills. After comprehensive assessments, they will participate in group learning experiences and be provided with the support of a job coach, who will assist them during a co-op job placement, and address the individual skills and challenges they face in securing and maintaining employment. Workshops for caregivers and employers are also provided, focusing on the education, support, mentorship and benefits of employing Autistic individuals. The JTP is the result of a collaboration between MacART, the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, and Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services.
Approximate Study Period:
May 2016 – August 2016