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. Yun-Ju (Claire) Chen, Dr. Briano Di Rezze, Dr. Olaf Kraus De Camargo, Dr. Peter Rosenbaum, Dr. Julia Frei, Dr. Mohammad Zubairi, Dr. Stephen Gentles, Dr. Elisabetta Trinari, 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.
This is the full scale version of the PARC study (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.
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
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.)
If interested in participating, please contact: Carolyn Russell, crussel@mcmaster.ca.