Recruiting Studies by MacART Members
Recruiting Studies by MacART Members
Participate in our research! The list below shows active research studies and projects being conducted by MacART members and our collaborators that are currently looking for participants. There is information listed on who is eligible to take part and who to contact if you are interested to learn more.
The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study
Funded by:
Canadian Institutes for 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
Recruitment Information:
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.
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
Recruitment Information:
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.
Please see the e-poster for study recruitment below:
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) and 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
Recruitment Information:
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
Recruitment Information:
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.
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
Recruitment Information:
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 deletion
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
Targeted Cognitive Intervention: Assessment and Plasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Researchers:
Dr. Geoff Hall, Dr. Diana Parvinchi, Dr. Caroline Roncadin, Dr. Teresa Bennett, and Dr. Stelios Georgiades.
Study Description:
This study will test a new computer-based program called “A Computerized Cognitive Intervention Solution” (ACCIS), which aims to improve the way Autistic children think and solve problems. If successful, the program may provide long-term benefits to Autistic children. Any Autistic children between the ages of 3-7 years can take part in this study. Participation entails two or three 1-hour assessment sessions completed remotely and access to an iPad or iPhone.
Approximate Study Period:
November 2021 – Ongoing
Recruitment Information:
Eligibility criteria: Autistic children who are between the ages of 3-7 years old.
If interested in participating, please contact: Dr. Diana Parvinchi at dparvinchi@mcmaster.ca, or Dr. Geoffrey Hall at (905) 525-9140, extension 23033.
The Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network
Funded by:
Ontario Brain Institute (OBI)
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:
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.)