Printer Friendly Version Printer version



Research Committee
Autism Ontario strongly supports research in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our Research Committee provides direction to the organization by identifying priority areas and advising where our support and funds should be directed. A large component of the funding we provide goes to research scholarships, which encourage students to pursue a career in the field, and particularly in the area of ASD research.  

Autism Ontario's Research Committee, comprised of researchers and community leaders in the Autism field, are currently the following:
  • Anita Acheson
  • Dr. James Bebko (chair)
  • Laura Cavanagh
  • Dr. Jeanette Holden
  • Dr. Mary Konstantareas
  • Aliya Rahim
  • Dr. Glenn Rampton
  • Margaret Spoelstra
The Supplementary Resource Group serves as a resource to the Research Committee and other groups of Autism Ontario. The Resource Group can consist of researchers, parents, community agency representatives, and others interested in reviewing scholarship applications and providing input to other Autism Ontario groups on an ad hoc basis.
Research Scholarships
To find out about our research scholarships, please click here.
Partners in Research
Autism Ontario actively supports organizations whose work focuses on research.
  • Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network (CAIRN)
  • International Society of Autism Research (INSAR)
  • Ontario Mental Health Foundation (OMHF)
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), a partner of Autism Ontario and Canada's major health research funding organization, has just released its 2006-2007 Annual Report.  Entitled Touching Lives, the report features photo essays of  8 remarkable Canadians who have benefited from health research.  One profile tells the story of the the Wright family, from London, Ontario.  Alex Wright, who is now 5 years old, was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months thanks to help from CIHR-supported researchers Drs. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum and Susan Bryson who developed a new tool called the Autism Observation Scale for Infants.  The early diagnosis, along with Dr. Zwaigenbaum's support, helped the family get access to much-needed services for Alex. 
    To read more about this story please visit:

Research Studies
The following is a list of some of the research studies currently being conducted in Canada. Each study calls for participants for an ASD-related study. Prior to posting these research study requests, the submitter must provide Autism Ontario with a copy of their approved Code of Ethics, a Synopsis of the Thesis, a timeline for the posting and details regarding how interested subjects may participate.(this may include a flyer). Please visit this site regularly to check out what studies are currently available. For questions or submissions, please contact: research@autismontario.com
  • New! Queen's University - The researcher is looking for grandparents of children with developmental disabilities, including autism, to take part in a survey. Read more.
  • New! University of Western Ontario Study - The researchers are investigating brain function during auditory processing. Children must be between 6-11 years, be diagnosed with ASD and fill several other criteria. Read more.
  • Brock Research Study - The researchers are studying howparents handle child problem behaviours and how confident they may feel. Looking for parents who have a child between the ages of 2-7 years old with ASD, DD or is typically developing. Flier and Letter to parents.

  • Sick Kids Research Study - Parents, has your child aged 6-18 with ASD been hosipitalized recently? If so, we'd like to hear about your experience. Read more.
  • Sick Kids Research Study - See your brain in action! Volunteers with ASD are needed to participate in research studies investigating brain function during problem solving and memory tasks. Volunteers will participate in neuropsychological and neuroimaging testing. Read more.
  • Sir Wilfred Laurier Study - Children aged 6-12 with High Functioning Autism are needed to participate in a study that explores movement planning. Read more.
  • OISE Study - This cross-cultural study is looking for males aged 16+ with Asperger's and HFA (High Functioning Autism). It's purpose is to explore wisdom and identity and their relation to quality of life. Read more.
  • University of Windsor Research Study - Factors that influence parents toward early diagnosis of ASD Flyer
  • Brock University Research Study - Bridges and Barriers to the implementation of PECS: An evaluation Flyer
  • Brock University is inviting parents of a child wtih ASD between the ages of 2 to 7 to participate in a study on Parenting Strategies Flyer
  • University of Toronto Research Study - Rapidly improve the literacy skills and Theory of Mind of your child (aged 7 to 12). More information: Flyer Letter of Invitation
  • Brock University Research Study - Parent-Mediated Intervention for the Behaviour and Development of Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders. More information: Flyer Letter of Invitation.
  • SickKids research study: Understanding the Self-Perceptions of Youth with ASDs. This research study needs youth between the ages of 13-18 and their parents. Click here for more details.
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is looking for families of teens & adults with ASD the help them with a study on health services. Click here for more details.













Disclaimer | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
© 2012 Autism Ontario Autism Society Ontario Charitable #119248789RR0001