The Research Exchange Group on Autism is open to the public; the presentations hosted by this group will be of interest to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families/caregivers as well as to the research community.

The Research Exchange Group on Autism was founded in partnership with the Autism Research Committee.

ASD is a neurological disorder that affects roughly one in 135 people, with incidence rates among males approximately three times higher than those among females. The Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador established the Autism Research Exchange Group after a workshop on ASD research that was attended by a number of researchers who suggested that a Research Exchange Group be convened to bring together those who are interested in, or are currently conducting, research on this topic. The unique genetic population of Newfoundland and Labrador presents good potential for ASD research in the province, but there is also potential for research in non-medical disciplines that can help provide insight into the disorder or help improve treatment options. The overall goals of the Research Exchange Group on Autism are:

• to create trans-disciplinary research linkages;
• to identify gaps in existing research literature; and
• to work towards developing greater overall capacity to conduct research on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

NLCAHR’s Research Exchange Group on Autism meets regularly to discuss research, review funding opportunities and collaborate on research projects. The group also provides a forum where students, researchers, policy makers and the general public can meet to discuss issues related to autism.

Previous Meetings

November 8, 2018 | Gregory Knott on Autism and entrepreneurship: An examination of the effectiveness of self-employment as a model to address the economic isolation experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder. LINK TO SLIDES

October 4, 2018| Trudy Goold on Autism and Sensory Processing - An Overview From Lived Experience LINK TO SLIDES

February 7, 2018 | Julie Lewis on Lessons Learned from Children with ASD at Sassy Tuna Studios LINK TO SLIDES

March 14, 2018|  Joanne Smith Young Managing the Wait for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services in Newfoundland and Labrador: A Grounded Theory Study

Thursday, October 25, 2017 | The Worktopia Project | Ann MacDougall, Coordinator, Employment Works (Worktopia) on EmploymentWorks Canada (EWC) a new and federally funded program that offers 12 weeks of employment readiness training for young adults on the spectrum who are no longer in school and are seeking opportunities to build employability. 

March 29, 2016 | Phil Murphy, MSc., Data Consultant/Analyst – Perinatal Program Newfoundland and Labrador |  Professional Associate - Memorial University (Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics) Perinatal Program Newfoundland and Labrador :  "Journey to the Janeway's Autism Clinic"

October 8, 2015 | “Incidence and cohort prevalence for autism spectrum disorders in the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador” with Dr. Roger Chafe

February 26, 2014 |  Dr. Rick Audas on  "Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Services for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder"

November 4, 2013 | Dr. Sharon Penney on Challenges Associated with a Diagnosis of ASD

February 2012| Dr. Roger Chafe, "Improving the Transitioning of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Adult Care."

Call for Presenters

We are always on the lookout for presenters to share research or programming information with our group. If you have a presentation to share, or would like to suggest a presenter from outside the province with whom we might connect by webinar. Additionally, if you’ve read an interesting article about ASD that you’d like to share and discuss with the group, we can circulate the article and then host a journal club meeting to talk about it. Please contact Rochelle.