The Redpath Centre endorses a researcher-practitioner model in which our practice informs our research and our attention to current research means our practices are evidence-informed.  We are engaged in numerous research projects at any time that relate to supporting individuals with Asperger Syndrome and related symptoms, their families and communities. We have identified five areas that are research priorities:

Understanding Adult Profiles and Service Needs

It has been two decades since there has been a provincial survey on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ontario. Since the 1990s, there have been major changes to the population of adults that are identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, but few changes with respect to funded services. Many adults seen in practice report that their ASD symptoms provide challenges that are not met by our current service system. One way of supporting increases in services is through the collection of survey data.

Adults Count! is a province-wide survey that will provide important information of the needs of adults on the Autism Spectrum. This web-based survey will be used to advocate for more services for adults and provide a better profile of individuals on the Spectrum over the age of 16 years. If you are interested in receiving more information about the survey, please email adult.survey@redpathcentre.ca. Thanks to Autism Ontario, Kerry's Place Autism Services, and the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services for their generous financial support of this project.

Supporting Families

The research on the needs and effects on families is sparse and often based on samples from other countries. Data regarding the mental health of parents will soon be published in a peer-reviewed journal. A second series of studies examines marital satisfaction and high-conflict divorce and separation in families of individuals on the spectrum. We are currently reviewing Canadian family court decisions where families of children with ASDs are involved.

Developing Assessment Measures

We are developing our own measure (The Asperger Screening Questionnaire for Adults) that will assist in the diagnosis of adults with AS. This is a self-report measure and factor analysis is under way. Phase two of this project will be devoted to developing an informant measure. The measure will also be standardized on a general population sample. We are also involved in a project with other academics, examining the effectiveness of other diagnostic measures in the assessment and diagnosis of AS and related issues.

Adapting Evidence-Informed Practices

A major concern in our field is the lack of evidence-based practices that clinicians can use with individuals and their families affected by AS. We are currently adapting the use of CBT approaches in a group for adults with AS and co-morbid anxiety/depression. Another project is looking at the adaptation of an evidence-based mood and behaviour regulation intervention to children with AS and their families in cooperation with The Child Development Institute in Toronto.

Building Community Capacity

At any time, we are involved in projects that are intended to build capacity and expertise in community-based services and supports. We have received funding for a study on the experiences of children and youth with "mild ASDs" in pediatric Canadian hospitals. We are also working with Dufferin Child and Family Services in Orangeville to develop an integrated response model for children with ASDs in that area.