Current Studies by MacART Members
Current Studies by MacART Members
The list below shows currently active, on-going research studies and projects being conducted by MacART members and our partners and collaborators.
Some of these studies are also looking for participants. That list of studies, along with who would be eligible to take part, can also be found on the ‘Recruiting Studies’ page.
- Lived Experiences of Health and Aging in Autistic Adults
- Rhythmic Timing in Autism
- Building Relationships through Inclusive co-Design to Guide Effective Communication Partner Training (BRIDGE-CPT)
- Towards a Brighter Path for Every Child and Youth in Hamilton
- Neural Correlates of Resiliency: Within Individual Factors and their Link to Mental Health
- A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and AdoLescents with NeurodevelopMental Disorders (CALM study)
- Resilience: Empowering Emerging Adults Through Challenges
- The co-development and pilot evaluation of the Siblings Training, Empowerment, and Advocacy Kit (Siblings TEAKit) to prepare young adult siblings of individuals with a disability for their current and future roles
- Developing a Pediatric Learning Health System for Neurodevelopment
- Regulation of BDNF and TrkB Isoforms, their Signalling and Synaptic Modulation
- Pi Therapy Trauma Method Study on ADHD & Autistic Populations
- Developing a Measure of Resiliency-related Adaptive Self-Capacities for Rehabilitation Intervention
- The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study – Canadian Sites
- The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study – Taiwan Site
- CoDesign of the Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform Curriculum Recommendations
- Improving the care of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders in emergency department settings: Understanding the knowledge-to-practice continuum of emergency department providers
- Autistic Definitions of Adulthood
- A randomized placebo-controlled trial of ARBaclofen vs. placebo in the treatment of children and adolescents with ASD
- The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network
- Pathways to Better Developmental Health in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Lived Experiences of Health and Aging in Autistic Adults
Funded by:
In development
Researchers:
Karen Joseph (PhD Student), Dr. Jennifer Heisz (Supervisor)
Study Description:
This qualitative study uses interviews to understand how autistic adults aged 40 and older experience health and aging, with a focus on everyday lifestyle behaviours such as sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and daily routines. Participants are asked about their physical and mental well-being, independence, access to healthcare, and the strategies they use to maintain health over time. The study also explores how factors such as stigma, sensory environments, and structural barriers influence these lifestyle behaviours. By centering lived experience, this study aims to support more inclusive approaches to healthy aging in autism.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2026 – April 2028
Rhythmic Timing in Autism
Researchers:
Dr. Jonathan Cannon
Study Description:
This study investigates how individuals with autism synchronize movements, such as finger tapping, with an external rhythm. The goals are to explore whether this synchronization relates to the ability to perceive speed changes in music and take turns speaking during conversations. This research may help to explain social differences in autism and guide future therapies. The study will invite participants to complete a series of tasks (around 1 hour in length) and a few online questionnaires.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2026 – April 2027
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Participants must be between the ages of 18-50, have normal or correct-to-normal hearing, able to speak and understand English fluently.
2. They must not have a diagnosis of any of the following: cognitive impairment, dyslexia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nervous system disorder of any kind, schizophrenia, a history of stroke, speech-language condition (speech apraxia, aphasia etc.)
If interested in participating, please contact: Dr. Jonathan Cannon at cannoj9@mcmaster.ca.
Building Relationships through Inclusive co-Design to Guide Effective Communication Partner Training (BRIDGE-CPT)
Funded by:
Autism Alliance of Canada, Co-Creation in Health and Social Services Innovation Grant & SSHRC CGS-D Personal Award for Maya Albin
Researchers:
Maya Albin (PhD student), Dr. Michelle Phoenix (PI)
Study Description:
The BRIDGE-CPT (Building Relationships through Inclusive co-Design to Guide Effective Communication Partner Training) study is being conducted by McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.
Autistic youth (ages 15-24), speech-language pathologists who work with autistic youth, and people close to autistic youth (e.g., parents, siblings, close friends) who live in Canada are invited to participate in interviews and small group discussions to co-create materials for a communication partner training (CPT) program. This new CPT program will focus on teaching other people how to better understand and support autistic youth, rather than focusing only on autistic youth changing their behaviour.
Approximate Study Period:
November 2025 – May 2026
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Autistic youth (ages 15-24)
2. Speech-language pathologists who work with autistic youth (ages 15-24)
3. Close communication partners (e.g., parents, siblings, friends) of autistic youth (ages 15-24)
If interested in participating, please contact: Maya Albin at bridge25@mcmaster.ca, or at the study phone number: 905-525-9140 ext. 22299.
Please see the e-poster for study recruitment below:
Towards a Brighter Path for Every Child and Youth in Hamilton
Funded by:
Juravinski Research Institute (JRI)
Researchers:
Dr. Rohan D’Souza, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Olaf Kraus De Camargo, Dr. Katherine Morrison, and Dr. Gita Wahi
Study Description:
Understanding how children and youth with chronic health conditions and/or neurodevelopmental disorders participate in their lives can help create better programs and services that address not just medical needs, but also social and environmental factors. This study aims to look at the whole picture to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. By considering their participation, we can make healthcare more effective and support positive long-term health outcomes. Integrating this understanding into healthcare delivery is crucial for supporting these children’s and youths’ overall development and well-being.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2024 – February 2027
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria:
Caregivers of a child or youth who is less than 18 years of age and is being seen at McMaster Children’s Hospital or Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre for 12 months or longer (or expected to be followed for 12 months or longer).
If interested in participating, please contact: Jenna Ratcliffe, Clinical Research Coordinator at ratclij@mcmaster.ca.
Neural Correlates of Resiliency: Within Individual Factors and their Link to Mental Health
Researchers:
Dr. Diana Parvinchi and Colleagues
Study Description:
We are analyzing data from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network to explore the neural correlates of within-individual resiliency in children and youth with autism, OCD, ADHD, and neurotypical development, along with related contributing factors.
Approximate Study Period:
2024 – ongoing
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and AdoLescents with NeurodevelopMental Disorders (CALM study)
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Ontario Brain Institute (OBI)
Researchers:
Evdokia Anagnostou, Robert Nicolson, Lucia Capano, Jessica Brian, Isabel Smith, Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Azadeh Kushki, Melanie Penner, Kevin Thorpe, Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Sarah Shea, Lukas Propper, Elizabeth Kelley, Jessica Jones, Julia Frei, and Elizabeth Trinari
Study Description:
This is a multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to test sertraline against placebo for treating anxiety in Autistic children and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Approximate Study Period:
2024 – 2026
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Children and teens between 8 and 17 years old
2. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, or genetic diagnosis of Fragile X, tuberous sclerosis or 22q11 deletions
3. Meet criteria for an anxiety disorder
4. Able to tolerate venipuncture (bloodwork)
If interested in participating, please contact: Nancy Selman, Research Coordinator at selmann@mcmaster.ca
Resilience: Empowering Emerging Adults Through Challenges
Funded by:
Redeemer Internal Research Grant
Researchers:
Dr. Diana Parvinchi and Colleagues
Study Description:
We are examining the efficacy of a resiliency intervention designed to strengthen young adults’ adaptive skills in the face of adversity.
Approximate Study Period:
2024 – ongoing
The co-development and pilot evaluation of the Siblings Training, Empowerment, and Advocacy Kit (Siblings TEAKit) to prepare young adult siblings of individuals with a disability for their current and future roles
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Fellowship: Patient-Oriented Research Awards – Transition to Leadership Stream – Phase I
Researchers:
Dr. Linda Nguyen, Dr. Jan Willem Gorter, Dr. Marjolijn Ketelaar, Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, Dr. Keiko Shikako
Study Description:
Our research study aims to co-create a toolkit together with siblings, families, and healthcare professionals that can help siblings have conversations with their family to prepare for their roles. Siblings of individuals with a disability have shared that they require resources to support in their roles with their sibling with a disability.
Our study includes two stages:
In Stage 1, an online workshop was held with sibling participants (ages 15-25 years old) who have a sibling with a disability to ask about the topics and information that they would like to include in the toolkit. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers and members of the Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC) are currently analyzing the results from the workshop to co-develop the toolkit prototypes.
In Stage 2, we will hold focus groups with siblings, parents/caregivers, and healthcare professionals to ask for feedback on the toolkit prototypes.
Approximate Study Period:
May 2023 – ongoing
Developing a Pediatric Learning Health System for Neurodevelopment
Researchers:
Elyse Rosa, Alessia Greco, Tamara Krbavac, Angela Zajczenko, Karen Beattie, Karen Margallo, Holly Augerman, Krista Bozzo, Jeremy Petch, Stelios Georgiades
Study Description:
The Pediatric Learning Health System (LHS) for Neurodevelopment project is a collaborative co-design initiative between McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences. The project is being designed, piloted and evaluated within the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC), which will inform the creation of a Pan-Canadian Network. The purpose is to break down silos that exist and hinder optimal healthcare for children with diverse needs. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection will pave the way for evidence-informed care for children. This work has the capacity to change the way children receive healthcare in our country and the concurrent evaluation of this work will enable an iterative loop of continuous improvement, ensuring the LHS evolves and optimizes its outputs over time rooted in the child and family experience.
Approximate Study Period:
June 2022 – Ongoing
Regulation of BDNF and TrkB Isoforms, their Signalling and Synaptic Modulation
Funded by:
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Researchers:
Dr. Margaret Fahnestock, Mohammad Hossein Maleki
Study Description:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor (TrkB) are important for survival, connectivity and proper function of neurons in the brain. These molecules are made in multiple forms with different biological activities. Deviations from optimal levels of BDNF and TrkB forms have severe consequences for brain function. We have found that, in postmortem brain samples from subjects with autism, there is an imbalance in the forms of BDNF and TrkB. In this project, we will use cell culture methods to understand what regulates the production and balance of these forms and how the imbalance affects brain function. This understanding is crucial to our fundamental knowledge of brain function in autism.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2022 – March 2027
Pi Therapy Trauma Method Study on ADHD & Autistic Populations
Funded by:
The ADHD & Spectrum Centre
Researchers:
Alina Kislenko, Matthew Goetz, Craig Lethsteensen, Paul Safi
Study Description:
Assessing Pi Therapy as a trauma method for ADHD & Autistic populations. Research has both quantitively and qualitative approaches.
Approximate Study Period:
May 2021 – ongoing
Developing a Measure of Resiliency-related Adaptive Self-Capacities for Rehabilitation Intervention
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Diana Parvinchi and Colleagues
Study Description:
This is a multiphase study examining the development and implementation of a measure of resiliency-related adaptive self-capacities for rehabilitation intervention in youth with disabilities.
Approximate Study Period:
2021 – ongoing
The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study – Canadian Sites
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Caroline Roncadin, Dr. Ronit Mesterman, Dr. Irene Drmic, Dr. Terry Bennett, Dr. Kathy Georgiades, Dr. Eric Duku, Dr. Mackenzie Salt, Dr. Briano Di Rezze, Dr. Olaf Kraus De Camargo, Dr. Peter Rosenbaum, Dr. Julia Frei, Dr. Stephen Gentles, Dr. Elisabetta Trinari, Dr. Elyse Rosa, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This study is working to examine the factors that influence diversity in how autism unfolds over time. The goals are to explore the factors contributing to the diverse pathways and outcomes in Autistic young children, to generate research evidence that can inform families and clinicians as they work together to develop more personalized intervention plans for Autistic children. The study will be recruiting newly-diagnosed Autistic children who are under 7 years old, and inviting their families to complete sets of online questionnaires every 6 months over the study period.
For more information, see this link.
Approximate Study Period:
January 2021 – ongoing
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria: Children who are under 7 years of age and received an autism diagnosis in the past year, and who are local to the Hamilton-Niagara region in Ontario.
If interested in participating, please contact: Anna Kata at kataa@mcmaster.ca.
The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study – Taiwan Site
Funded by:
Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology
Researchers:
Taiwan Site Investigator: Dr. Yun-Ju (Claire) Chen
Co-investigators: Dr. Hsing-Chang Ni & Dr. Chung-Hsin Chiang
Study Description:
This study is working to examine the factors that influence diversity in how autism unfolds over time. The goals are to explore the factors contributing to the diverse pathways and outcomes in Autistic young children, to generate research evidence that can inform families and clinicians as they work together to develop more personalized intervention plans for Autistic children. The study will be recruiting newly-diagnosed Autistic children who are under 7 years old, and inviting their families to complete sets of online questionnaires every 6 months over the study period.
Approximate Study Period:
March 2025 – ongoing
CoDesign of the Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform Curriculum Recommendations
Researchers:
Dr. Michelle Phoenix, Dr. Mackenzie Salt, Dr. Vivian Lee, Dr. Linda Nguyen, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
CanNRT is a collaborative training platform that supports research excellence and builds sustainable and equitable pathways for early career researchers in neurodevelopment and associated conditions across Canada. Through multidisciplinary cross-sector learning, mentorship, and connectivity, CanNRT equips trainees to become the next generation of leaders.
Approximate Study Period:
2020 – 2026
Improving the care of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders in emergency department settings: Understanding the knowledge-to-practice continuum of emergency department providers
Funded by:
Department of Pediatrics Education Endowment Fund
Researchers:
Dr. Mohammad Zubairi, James Leung
Study Description:
This study looks at understanding the gaps between the knowledge and skills of health professionals in emergency department settings and the provision of care to Autistic children, youth and their families.
Approximate Study Period:
Ongoing
Autistic Definitions of Adulthood
Funded by:
Pathways in ASD
Researchers:
Dr. Mackenzie Salt & Dr. Teresa Bennett
Study Description:
This is a study to learn about how Autistic adults view adulthood and what milestones are important to them. When we think of adulthood, there are lots of ways to define it but none of them really focus on or incorporate the Autistic perspective. This study involves asking both Autistic young adults and Autistic older adults about what is important to them about adulthood, what milestones are important to them, and how they define adulthood.
Approximate Study Period:
Ongoing
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of ARBaclofen vs. placebo in the treatment of children and adolescents with ASD
Funded by:
Ontario Brain Institute, Brain Canada
Researchers:
Dr. Evdokia Anagnostou, Dr. Julia Frei, Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Dr. Robert Nicolson, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network is researching genes, the brain, and behaviour to find potential treatments in autism. We are currently investigating whether arbaclofen may help improve social functioning in Autistic children and teens. We are looking for Autistic children and teens between 5 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of autism and able to tolerate bloodwork. This 18 week long study (9 visits) is comparing arbaclofen against placebo for improving social and global function, and communication. The most common side effects are sedation (tiredness) and upset stomach.
Approximate Study Period:
August 2019 – ongoing (closed to recruitment)
The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network
Funded by:
Ontario Brain Institute
Researchers:
Dr. Elisabetta Trinari, Dr. Julia Frei, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
The POND Network is a group of dedicated scientists, doctors, and community members who work together to help children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We work with those diagnosed with conditions like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), intellectual disability (ID), and more. Our goal is to improve the lives of these children by developing new and better treatments. Although progress has been made in treating these disorders, there is still much to do to improve long-term outcomes. We need more effective therapies, including medications, behavioural strategies, and social support.
Approximate Study Period:
October 2011 – ongoing
More Information:
This study is currently recruiting.
Eligibility criteria: Families with one or more child/teen (age 21 or younger) with a neurodevelopmental disorder or genetic condition. (Examples: autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome, etc.)
Pathways to Better Developmental Health in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Researchers:
Dr. Teresa Bennett, Dr. Eric Duku, Dr. Stelios Georgiades, Dr. Peter Szatmari, and Colleagues.
Study Description:
This longitudinal cohort study is investigating the development of the core symptoms and outcomes in Autistic children, which will provide essential information on their prognosis. The study will also lead to a better understanding of the factors associated with healthy outcomes in children with special needs and typically developing children. There is a focus on the critical period after diagnosis at 2 to 4 years of age, the transition into school, a time period during which there is wide variability in the development course of Autistic children, continuing as they grow and develop into their teen years. This study is currently in Phase III.
Approximate Study Period:
April 2005 – June 2023
More Information: