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Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP)
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  • ASAP CAB

    Learn more about our lab’s community advisory board here: https://asap.psych.ubc.ca/community-opportunities-and-resources/community-advisory-board/

  • ASAP Lab Holiday Social 2023!

    In December 2023, our lab got together and played re-gifting white elephant. Exchanged gifts included jigsaw puzzle, books, a set of scented olive oils, essential oils, moon and cat shaped lamps, ornament, mug cups, and more!

  • ASAP Lab Members Join Campus Climate Strike for a Sustainable Future

    On September 15th, some of the ASAP Lab members joined UBC’s climate strike, uniting with students, faculty, and staff to challenge the Campus Vision 2050 Land Use Plan. This heartwarming experience reminded us of the positive change that can be achieved through collective effort! About the Campus Vision 2050 The Campus Vision 2050 Land Use […]

  • Lab Team Bonding: Pottery Painting!

    This week, the entire lab met up for a relaxing Saturday morning painting all sorts of pottery, from flower vases, to dragon mugs, to owl-shaped glasses holders. Thanks to John at U Paint I Fire in Kitsilano for guiding us through a wonderful experience!

  • Lab Team Bonding: Horsing Around!

    In October, our graduate students took a trip to Delta to hang out with some horses! Everyone got a chance to take a short ride and groom him in the stables. After that, we finished off the day at Barnside Brewery.

  • Autism Evidence ASAP: An ASAP Lab Talk Series

    Autism Evidence ASAP is a community talk series that will unpack timely and cutting-edge findings from research regarding the experiences of anxiety and stress among autistic individuals.

  • Lab Team Bonding: Bubble Tea!

  • Summer time!

  • Zoom

  • ASAP Lab Christmas Party!


Research Participation Opportunities at the ASAP Lab!

The Social Communication, Historical Exclusion, Memory and Affect (SCHEMA) Study 2.0

What to expect in the study:

SCHEMA 2.0 is a three-part study that includes one in-person visit at UBC (1-2 hours) involving eye tracking and two online sessions (45 minutes each). The study takes approximately 2.5 hours (for non-autistic participants) to 3.5 hours total (for autistic participants).

How do I participate in the study?

If you are interested in participating in this study, please fill out the eligibility screener survey (~3 min) here.

Participants receive $20 per hour in the form of any electronic gift card of your choosing.


Exploring the overlap, assessment and treatment of anxiety, trauma and autism.

The ASAP lab conducts clinical and community-based research to estimate the frequency of anxiety and stress-related disorders among people on the autism spectrum with greater precision and identify risk factors. Additionally, we aim to improve clinical practices by providing guidelines and measures for determining when someone on the autism spectrum is experiencing anxiety or trauma and by effectively treating these conditions in community settings.

NOTE: The ASAP Lab currently focuses on research initiatives to advance understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Please note that we do not currently offer clinical services, including diagnostic assessments.

Keen to keep up with our latest research, community talks, and study participant opportunities? Sign up for our newsletter here.


Our approach to language

Discussions around language are crucial to our commitment to creating a safe space for all members, participants, researchers, and guests within our lab. As language often represents a reflection of one’s attitudes and opinions, we strive to stand with the autistic community and respect the diverse language people with autism choose to identify themselves. Specifically, when addressing individuals in the autistic community, we will adopt your preferred language (autistic person or person with autism). In our lab, we may use a variety of terminology, both to describe the autistic community as well as its diversity in ability, support needs and strengths. We understand that attitudes to this language may differ from person-to-person, and so we aim to use language that ensures the comfort of all within the lab.


Interested in joining the ASAP lab? Check out our Join our lab page!


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Dr. Kerns Receives the 2025 Mentorship Award!

We are also thrilled to announce that Dr. Kerns has been awarded the 2025 Mentorship Award by the UBC Department of Psychology! This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to supporting and guiding students in their academic and research journeys. Dr. Kerns has fostered in us a commitment to approaching our research, clinical work, and professional […]

Dr. Kerns on Autism and Anxiety in Today’s Parent

We’re excited to share that Dr. Kerns was recently featured in an article on Today’s Parent, discussing the overlap between autism and anxiety. In this interview, Dr. Kerns highlights the ways anxiety presents in autistic individuals, how it can be misunderstood, and the importance of tailored interventions. To read the full article and learn more […]

ASAP Lab Holiday Social 2024!

In December 2024, the ASAP Lab continued the tradition of our re-gifting white elephant gift exchange, and it was as fun as ever! Gifts exchanged included jigsaw puzzles, stress balls, mugs, reading socks, and more!

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Address 2136 West Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
Tel 604-822-6069
Email asaplab@psych.ubc.ca
Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP)
Vancouver Campus
Department of Psychology
2136 West Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Email cmkerns@psych.ubc.ca
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