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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. These scholarship programs are partially funded by Together for Autism.

Autism Ontario's Research Committee is comprised of researchers and community leaders in the Autism field. They are currently the following:

Dr. James Bebko (chair)
Ronald Harrison
Dr. Jeanette Holden
Dr. Mary Konstantareas
Dr. Rob Nicolson
Aliya Rahim
Dr. Glenn Rampton
Margaret Spoelstra
Jean Woolford - staff support

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)
Autism Spectrum Disorders - Canadian-American Research Consortium (ASD-CARC)
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 provides Autism Ontario with a copy of their approved Code of Ethics, a Synopsis of the Thesis, and details regarding how interested subjects may participate. Please visit this site regularly to check out what studies are currently available.

New! CAMH Research Study: Group Therapy for Mood for people with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism
We are researchers who are evaluating how a type of therapy called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can help adults with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, who also have problems with sadness. We are offering all participants group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

SickKids' Research Study: How children's brains process sounds & sights
Volunteers are needed to participate in a research study at Hospital for Sick Children. Click here for more details
CAMH Family Research Study:
Researchers studying what happens when people with intellectual disabilities have major challenges or are in crisis.
Click here for more information.

Bloorview Kids Rehab Research Project: Children's Assessments of Books for Siblings of Children with Autism
This pilot study is looking for school-age children who have a sibling with autism or asperger’s. Click here for details.

McMaster University Research Study: Sibling Study - early social perceptual development
The study is currently looking for participants. Please click here for more information.

Queens University Research Study: Social Cognitive Skill in Young Children with Autism and Toddlers at Risk for Autism
The study is currently looking for participants. Please click here for more information.

Find out the latest on Locating Technology Project. Click here.

Adventure Place and York University's Milton & Ethel Harris Research Initiative are pleased to announce a new program to provide and evaluate intensive intervention for Autism using DIR/Floortime method. The program is Currently looking for families to participate. Please click here for details.

Attention Parents! Research Study on the Asperger Syndrome Profile in Children and Adolescents
Would you like to participate in a research study intended to broaden our knowledge of Asperger Syndrome in children and adolescents? Click here to find out more.

ASD CARC Survey: Dads and Autism
To participate, click here.

Participants Needed to study the effectiveness of a new measure, the Asperger's Disorder Behavior Inventory
This instrument will assist in both diagnosis and treatment planning. For more information about participating, click here.

Researchers at Dalhousie University are looking for parents to complete an online survey about sleep in school children.
Click here for more information. Click here to access the Consent Form.
Seeking Participants for a Follow-Up Study of Children with ASD who have Received IBI in the Past. Click here for more information