Recruiting Studies by MacART Members
Participate in our research! The list below shows active research studies and projects being conducted by MacART members and our collaborators that are currently looking for participants. There is information listed on who is eligible to take part and who to contact if you are interested to learn more.
2023 Pandemic Canadian Autism Needs Assessment Survey
Funded by:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Study Description:
This is an anonymous online survey for better understand the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Autistic Canadians and the services they access. The survey has three aims: (1) to better understand the evolving impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Autistic adults and caregivers of Autistic children of any age in Canada; (2) to assess the evolving experiences of Autistics and of caregivers of Autistic children in Canada regarding Autism-related supports and services in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) to inform community organizations and policy makers of current needs reported by the Autism community across Canada.
Approximate Study Period:
October 2023 – May 2024
Eligibility Information:
Eligibility criteria: Autistic adults (18+ years old), or caregivers of Autistic children of any age, or people who are both an Autistic adult (18+ years old) and the primary family caregiver of an Autistic child of any age. Survey takers must be living in Canada.
If you want more info: See more information here in English or French. FAQs are also available in English or French.
If you want to answer the survey: The survey is currently open, scheduled to close on November 13, 2023. To access the survey directly, click THIS LINK.
Targeted Cognitive Intervention: Assessment and Plasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Researchers:
Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Diana Parvinchi, Dr. Caroline Roncadin, Dr. Teresa Bennett, and Dr. Stelios Georgiades.
Study Description:
This study will test a new computer-based program called “A Computerized Cognitive Intervention Solution” (ACCIS), which aims to improve the way Autistic children think and solve problems. If successful, the program may provide long-term benefits to Autistic children. Any Autistic children between the ages of 3-7 years can take part in this study. Participation entails two or three 1-hour assessment sessions completed remotely and access to an iPad or iPhone.
Approximate Study Period:
November 2021 – Ongoing
Recruitment Information:
Eligibility criteria: Autistic children who are between the ages of 3-7 years old.
If interested in participating, please contact: Dr. Diana Parvinchi at dparvinchi@mcmaster.ca, or Dr. Geoffrey Hall at (905) 525-9140, extension 23033.
The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network
Funded by:
Ontario Brain Institute
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Teresa Bennett, Dr. Joseph Beyene, Dr. Jane Foster, Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Caroline Roncadin, Dr. Karun Singh, Dr. Noam Soreni, Dr. Peter Szatmari, Dr. Marc Woodbury-Smith, Dr. Margaret Fahnestock, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
To accelerate the discovery of biomarkers that will enhance understanding of Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and intellectual disability, Tourette Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and Down Syndrome. The project will also accelerate the translation of these discoveries into novel, effective and personalized treatments aimed at improving the lives of affected children and their families. Since its inception, 472 Autistic participants have had behavioural and cognitive assessments, imaging, and electrophysiology studies. More children and their families will be recruited in the future.
Approximate Study Period:
October 2011 – March 2023
More Information:
Please see the following PDFs for more information: POND Network Brochure; POND Network Flyer
Eligibility criteria: Confirmed Autism diagnosis; 21 years, 11 months of age or less
If interested in participating, please contact: Alessia Greco, algreco@mcmaster.ca, or Carolyn Russell, crussel@mcmaster.ca.