Cutting-edge research is essential for improving treatments and the quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. That's why the Autism Society of Edmonton Area actively promotes research by its partner organizations, as well as conducting research of its own. You can learn more about the latest autism research and get involved by:
Families of young adults with developmental disabilities, in particular those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have expressed concerns about the experiences and quality of life of the young adults and their families in Alberta. These concerns include: (1) potential loss of services when the young adult transitions from Alberta Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program for children to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) system for adults (eligibility requirements for the two systems are different); (2) lack of adequate transitional supports (i.e., from high school to post-secondary education or employment, or from one funding system to another); and (3) lack of sufficient post high school opportunities (e.g., housing, education, vocational, recreational, social, etc.).
In light of this, ASEA applied for a grant from PDD’s 2007 Community Research Program Grant to undertake a research project to document what happens to people with developmental disabilities and their families once the young person leaves school. The goal of the research was to generate information that will assist in the development of appropriate services and supports for young adults (aged 16 to 30 years) and their families.
Click here to read the full report.
If you are interested in participating, or would like more information, please click here to access the questionnaire and the researcher's contact information.
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Focus groups are scheduled as follows:
The purpose of the study was to examine the issues surrounding young persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning from pediatric to adult services. The study aimed to gain more understanding about families’ needs, facilitators, gaps, and key junctures throughout the transitional period. In order to gather a complete picture of transition, families of children with ASD between the ages of 16 and 25 were recruited to participate. A total of 10 families participated in the interview process. Of these families, 4 children with ASD were able to participate in the interview.
Dr. Steven Shaw’s Connections Lab at McGill University is conducting a study that examines communication differences among Canadian children diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The anonymous, online survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
Dear Families,
We are conducting a province-wide survey about supports and services for families with children, teens or young adults (to age 30) with autism in Alberta. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the strengths and gaps of current supports, services and resources to ultimately improve outcomes for persons with autism and their families.
To learn more, click on the poster below to see a larger version.
If the answer is yes, then please volunteer to participate in this research study!
Your child's participation in this study would be greatly appreciated if he/she:
