This webpage lists studies that are currently accepting applications. Click on a green bar to learn more about the study and how to participate.
Researchers at University of Calgary are conducting a study on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and whether the group is helpful for participants. ACT teaches skills to help people handle difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on what matters most to them. A team of Autistic self-advocates, clinicians, and researchers created a virtual ACT group.
This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (REB number – 25-1909).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Autistic adults who are 18 years or older
- Live in Alberta or Ontario
- Can participate independently in a virtual group
What will I be asked to do?
- Attend an 8-week virtual ACT group (1.5 hours per session) co-facilitated by an Autistic facilitator and a non-autistic clinician
- Complete online questionnaires before, during, and after the group
- Take part in a virtual interview or focus group after the group
- All participants will be compensated for their time
How can I participate?
If you are interested in participating in this study or have questions, please contact wonderlab@ucalgary.ca
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at Dalhousie University, IWK Health and Autism Research Centre Halifax are conducting a study on examining the language skills of typically developing children and children on the autism spectrum.
Dalhousie University has approved this study (REB number – 1030067).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children between the ages of 4 to 8 years old
- Are typically developing or on the autism spectrum
- Speak English or French and another language (for example, English & Arabic)
What will I be asked to do?
- The study involves 2 sessions of approximately 1.5 hours each. It requires an internet connection and access to a computer or tablet.
- You will receive a small compensation after each session.
How can I participate?
Learn more about the study to see if you are interested and apply to participate in the study.
If you are interested in participating in this study or have questions, please contact cliclab@dal.ca or call (902) 700-7442.
Expressions of interest to participate will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at University of Calgary are conducting a study on co-creating a mental health intervention that supports Autistic youth following a suicide attempt. The study aims to allow participants to share their experiences, needs, and preferences related to mental health support for Autistic youth following a suicide. The goal is to develop neurodiversity-affirming mental health supports for Autistic youth who have experienced suicidality.
The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this study (REB 24-1166).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Autistic youth (ages 16-24 years) who have experienced suicidality.
- Caregivers or parents of Autistic youth (ages of 16-24 years) who have experienced suicidality.
- Clinicians who support the mental health of Autistic youth (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, medical physicians).
What will I be asked to do?
- Participants will take part in a one-hour interview about what support is most helpful for Autistic youth after a suicide attempt or mental health crisis. Your perspectives will help design supports that are relevant, respectful, and meaningful for Autistic youth.
- Interviews can be completed in a way that works best for you – zoom, phone, in person (Calgary, AB), written responses (if preferred).
- The researchers aim to make participation as comfortable and accessible as possible. If there are communication or accessibility accommodations that would help you participate, please let the researchers know.
- Participants will receive a $25 dollar gift card to thank them for their time.
How can I participate?
Learn more about the study to see if you are interested and apply to participate in the study.
If you are interested in participating in this study or have questions, please contact the ENHANCE Lab at enhancelab@ucalgary.ca.
Expressions of interest to participate will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at the SMART Lab at the University of British Columbia are conducting a survey based study to better understand the mental health and masking of Autistic teens with and without Autistic parents. By understanding these relationships, their goal is to help inform how best to support Autistic adolescents and their families.
University of British Columbia has approved this study (Ethics ID number – H25-01356).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Both a parent and Autistic adolescent/youth must participate in the study.
- Adolescent/youth must be 13 to 21 years old, have an autism diagnosis, live in Canada, the USA, England, or Australia, and not have a history of intellectual disability.
- Parent must live with the child a minimum of 3 days per week. Autistic and non-Autistic parents can participate.
What will I be asked to do?
- Parents and teens will complete an online survey.
- The parent survey will take 10 minutes to complete, and the teen survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete.
- A 5 minute Zoom video call prior to survey competition to verify participant indentities and reconfirm consent.
- As a token of appreciation of your time, you will have a chance to win one of 10 $50 CAD e-gift cards.
How can I participate?
The brief screener will provide more information about the study and see if you are eligible to participate in the study.
If you are interested in participating in this study or have questions, please contact Melissa Lazo (Co-Investigator) at melilazo@student.ubc.ca or Dr. Thomas Schanding (Principal Investigator) at thomas.schanding@ubc.ca.
Expressions of interest to participate will be accepted until October 2026.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
Researchers at the SMART Lab at the University of British Columbia are conducting an interview based study to better understand Autistic adolescents experiences living with an Autistic parent. Their goal is to better understand their perspectives and the dynamics of families with a shared Autistic identity.
University of British Columbia has approved this study (Ethics ID number – H25-01356).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Both an Autistic parent and adolescent/youth must participate in the study.
- The adolescent/youth must be 13 to 21 years old with a formal autism diagnosis living in Canada and must be aware of their own and their parent’s Autistic identity.
- The parent must be self-diagnosed or have a formal autism diagnosis.
What will I be asked to do?
- An online Zoom interview with a researcher (45-60 minutes). Questions will explore topics like Autistic identity, daily life, and interactions with their parents.
- A 5-minute demographic questionnaire will also be completed prior to the interview. Accommodations for the interview are available.
- As a token of appreciation of your time, participating families will receive a $25 CAD e-gift card of their choice.
How can I participate?
The brief screener will provide more information about the study and see if you are eligible to participate in the study.
If you are interested in participating in this study or have questions, please contact Melissa Lazo (Co-Investigator) at melilazo@student.ubc.ca or Dr. Thomas Schanding (Principal Investigator) at thomas.schanding@ubc.ca.
Expressions of interest to participate will be accepted until October 2026.
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.
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
What will I be asked to do?
- Once you consent to be in the study, you will be asked to complete an online survey. The survey includes questions about your experiences and perspectives on genetic testing for autism and will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
- You may be contacted again after you completed the survey to participate in a one-on-one interview. This interview will ask more in-depth questions about your experiences and perspectives on genetic testing for autism. The interview will take no more than 60 minutes.
How can I participate?
Learn more about the study to see if you are interested in participating in the study.
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.
Expressions of interest to participate will be accepted until December 2026.
To view the research poster, click on the image.
