This webpage lists studies that are currently accepting applications. Click on a green bar below to learn more about the study and how to participate.
The University of Calgary is conducting a study to create sexual health education resources that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Autistic youth and their caregivers. The insights shared by participants will directly contribute to the creation of practical resources that aim to address real-world gaps in sexual health education for Autistic youth and their families.
This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary (REB: 25-0784).
Who is eligible to participate?
- You may be eligible to participate in this research study if you are an:
- A parent, guardian, or family member of an Autistic youth,
- 18 years of age or older,
- You reside in Alberta.
What does participation involve?
- Your choice to participate in a one to one interview or a small focus group conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Two sessions: one to explore your needs, and the other to provide feedback on a draft resource.
- In appreciation of your time, you will receive an honorarium and a chance to shape real-world resources for families like yours.
How can I participate?
If you would like to participate in this study or need more information, please contact Dr. Alan Martino at alan.martino@ucalgary.ca.
Expressions of interest in this study will be accepted until November 15, 2025.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
The research team at York University (led by Dr. Jonathan Weiss) is conducting an online study about the positive experiences (flourishing) of visible minority families of Autistic youth and young adults (aged 10-30) living in Canada. They are interested in learning about the positive and negative experiences that shape the well-being of families from visible minority groups who have Autistic youth and young adults.
York REB: #4459.
Who is eligible to participate?
- A caregiver of an Autistic youth or young adult (ages 10-30)
- Identify as part of a visible minority group (i.e. a person of color)
What will I be asked to do?
- Complete an online survey (30-45 minutes) about:
- Your family’s well-being,
- Different factors that shape well-being, both the good and challenging parts,
- How your cultural background relates to your family’s experience living in Canada and,
- What it is like raising an Autistic youth or young adult.
- To thank you for your time, you will have a chance to win a $100 dollar gift card
How can I participate?
If you would like to participate, please fill out the survey.
For more information, please contact Nisha Vashi or Dr. Jonathan Weiss (Principal Investigator) at flourishingfamilies@yorku.ca
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at Mount Royal University are conducting a study that explores the information practices of Autistic adults engaging with their special interests. They are interested in understanding how Autistic adults seek, use, create, and share information related to the topics to which they are particularly devoted in.
Using qualitative ethnographic methods, such as interviews and participant-led walkthroughs of information collections or spaces, the study aims to better understand Autistic adults experiences of engaging with information in the context of a special interest.
The research takes a strengths-based perspective on Autistic experiences and aims to contribute to more inclusive understandings of information practices within the field of library and information studies.
This study has been approved by the Mount Royal University Research Ethics Board (File #104637).
Who is eligible to participate?
- You are eligible to participate in this research study if you are an:
- Autistic adult (18 years of age or older) and you are either formally diagnosed or self-identify as being Autistic.
What does participation involve?
- One-time 60 to 90 minute interview with an option to have it either in-person, text-based, or online.
- Participants will also have the option to share photos, drawings, or other visual materials related to their special interest(s), but this is not required.
How can I participate?
If you would like to participate in this study or need more information, please contact Hailey Siracky at hsiracky@mtroyal.ca
Expressions of interest in this study will be accepted until December 2025 or until the participant group is full. Interviews will occur on an on-going basis as participants are recruited.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at Precision Medicine in Autism and the University of Alberta are conducting a study on identifying the challenges and opportunities for implementing a standard of care genetic testing for autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.
This study aims to understand the experiences and opinions of people on the autism spectrum, their families, and the physicians who care for them on genetic testing for autism. The goal is to identify barriers to genetic testing and find ways to improve patient care and the healthcare system in Alberta for those on the spectrum.
It will take approximately two hours to complete the study and participants will be asked to complete an online survey with questions about genetic testing for autism. Additionally, some participants may be invited to a follow-up interview to share more in-depth experiences.
University of Alberta has approved this study (REB ID – Pro00145198).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Individuals who have received a formal diagnosis of autism and their families and reside in Alberta
- Physicians who practice in Alberta and care for individuals on the autism spectrum
How can I participate?
If you would like to learn more about the study, please click here.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca or the PRISMA research staff at prisma@ualberta.ca or call (780) 492-4467. Applications will be accepted until the end of 2025.