ASAP Lab Holiday Social!
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 […]
Dr. Kerns Delivers Lecture at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Anne Klibanski Visiting Lecture Series
In a recent Massachusetts General Hospital’s Anne Klibanski Visiting Lecture Series event, our Lab Director, Dr. Kerns, presented a lecture on how to enhance the detection and treatment of anxiety disorders in autistic youth. Her presentation addressed the comparative aspects of anxiety in autistic versus allistic youth, highlighted assessment challenges, and emphasized evidence-based approaches to […]
Dr. Kerns Presents at Autism Science Foundation’s Day of Learning
At the end of March, the Autism Science Foundation (ASF) hosted its 10th annual Day of Learning, which brings together leading autism researchers, clinicians, and service providers to discuss emerging and notable trends in autism research. At this conference, ASAP Lab Director Dr. Kerns was invited to deliver a “TED-style” presentation on autism and anxiety. […]
Dr. Kerns Discusses Paediatricians’ Autism Diagnostic Accuracy on CBC News
Recently, a new study came out which studied general paediatricians’ accuracy when diagnosing autism in children. It was found that paediatricians had high accuracy in identifying children with more substantial developmental delays, but lower accuracy when it came to correctly ruling out ASD. These findings are promising in suggesting that family doctors could help reduce […]
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!
Scholarship Opportunities from the Organization for Autism Research
We have recently been made aware of a USA-based scholarship program for autistic students pursuing post-secondary education, and would like to share this fantastic initiative with our community. Please see below for a full description of the opportunity. Applications are due Monday, April 24, 2023, and can be submitted here. “The Organization for Autism Research’s […]
Autism Evidence ASAP: Recognizing Anxiety and Stress in Children on the Spectrum
On December 5th, we hosted our first Autism Evidence ASAP event; what a resounding success! With over 35 community members in attendance, we had an informative and engaging night of discussion around anxiety- and stress-related conditions among children on the autism spectrum. Learn more about the Autism Evidence ASAP program here. If you missed the […]
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.
Trauma Panel and resources for Ukrainian families with children on the autism spectrum
Dr. Kerns recently participated in a special panel to provide support to parents and clinicians working with families with children on the autism spectrum currently in Ukraine who may be experiencing trauma related to the war. To listen to the panel or to access the resources cited in the discussion, please visit the links below: […]
Collaborative research from the ASAP Lab and the MIND Institute featured in Spectrum News
Spectrum News has highlighted a recent study published by researchers from the ASAP Lab and the MIND Institute. The study investigated brain development of autistic and non-autistic children, and looked at whether patterns of brain development were linked to children’s anxiety. The researchers used a tool developed by Dr. Connor Kerns to measure both […]
Canadian Autism Leadership Summit on October 6th
The virtual 7th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2021) is one of the largest autism-related conferences in Canada, and will take place on October 6, 2021, from 11 AM to 5 PM EST. CALS2021 is a virtual event, linking policy, practice and data through stimulating panel discussions and opportunities for networking collaboration. At the heart of CALS2021 […]
Congratulations to Dr. Kerns for receiving the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Award!
The MSFHR Scholar Program supports health researchers to develop leading research programs in health research, train the next generation of scientists, and continue making major contributions to their field. Read more about Dr. Kerns’ work, and the award, here!
ASAP Lab research to be featured at ABCT
Four of our lab members— Anika, Charlotte, Elise and Hira – will be presenting their research at the upcoming Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies annual conference in November. Watch this space!
Policy discussions on autism – register today!
Through previous stakeholder engagement and reviews of the evidence, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences are identifying many important issues that can be addressed through policy-oriented solutions. The following key issues will be discussed in a series of upcoming policy discussions: Discussion 1: Social Inclusion July 19, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm ET Key Issue: Stigma, Discrimination & Self-Advocacy […]
Public engagement opportunity: share your views on autism!
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences has launched two new ways for Autistic people, families, and others who support them to share their views on autism. This input is being gathered as part of an assessment on autism that will consider scientific information and also be informed by a public engagement process. Learn more […]
Dr. Kerns’ latest research featured in the media
Recently, Dr. Kerns led and published a study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, examining the prevalence of mental health conditions among children on the autism spectrum. The authors found that nearly 78% of autistic children have at least one mental health condition, while nearly half have more than one mental health condition. The findings […]
Pathways research presented at the CIRCA Colloquium Series
On October 14th 2020, Drs Katherine Cost, Anat Zaidman-Zait and Pat Mirenda presented research from the Pathways in ASD project as part of the CIRCA (Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism) Colloquium series. You can read more about the presentation and follow the link to watch the recorded talk below: “Best Things”: Parents […]
Welcome to our new ASAP lab members!
This year, we have welcomed six new people to the ASAP lab – postdoctoral research Alana, graduate student Elise, and research assistants Anika, Em, Hira and Taylor. We are so excited for them to join our group, and looking forward to all of the work we will do together. Welcome, everyone!
Here at the ASAP Lab we have had many accomplishments this year, and we wanted to share our recent research with you!
Presentation of Anxiety Disorders in Children with ASD and Varied IQ. Click Here Trauma Screening and Treatment by Community Providers with ASD. Click Here Suicidal Ideation in a Longitudinal Study of ASD. Click Here Update on the Effectiveness of CBT for Anxiety Disorders in ASD. Click Here There are Advantages of […]
Spectrum Works Job Fair, April 8th
https://spectrumworks.ca/vancouver/
Work-Able Graduate Internship Program
What is Work-Able? Work-Able is a 12 month paid internship with the BC Public Service for recent (within the last three years) post-secondary graduates who self-identify as having a disability. Each year, this unique program provides learning, coaching and mentorship to employees who face barriers to achieving gainful employment. Who is eligible to work at Work-Able? […]
New Publications from Dr. Kerns and Michelle Hunsche!
Two new journal articles from Dr. Connor Kerns and her graduate student, Michelle Hunsche, have been published in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Below are the citations to the articles, give them a read! Kerns, C. M., Winder-Patel, B., Iosif, A. M., Nordahl, C. […]
Webinar Series: Transition Aged Youth on the Autism Spectrum
Webinar Series: Transition Aged Youth on the Autism Spectrum The Office of Autism Research Coordination and the National Autism Coordinator are sponsoring a series of webinars on services that support transition aged youth on the autism spectrum. The first two webinars of the series will highlight transportation/mobility options and healthcare. Transportation and Mobility […]
Autistic Input Session on BC Accessibility Legislation
Autistics United Canada and the Neurodiversity Listening Society are hosting an event where autistic and neurodivergent people can give feedback on the upcoming BC accessibility legislation, as part of the public consultation process. This feedback will be used to generate a report by BC chapters of Autistics United to submit to the provincial government. […]
The Rubber Ducky Fun Run
On October 21st, 2019, the ASAP Lab along with several other wonderful volunteers hosted the Rubber Ducky Half Marathon! The run was incredibly successful, thank you to everyone who turned up for the event!
Rubber Ducky Fun Run
Support UBC’s Anxiety, Stress and Autism Program by taking part in the Rubber Ducky Half Marathon! On October 20, 2019, the annual Rubber Ducky Fun Run will be supporting the ASAP Lab. This beautiful 5K, 7 mile, and Half Marathon course circles Burnaby Lake, giving you the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, exercise and lots […]
INSAR Institute Webinar 2019
Dr. Kerns recently presented at the INSAR Institute 2019 alongside Dr. Roma Vasa on Understanding Psychiatric Comorbidities in Autism Spectrum Disorder. The INSAR institute was a weekly series of interactive webinars about various topics from early-career researchers and members of the autism community. Click here to read more about the INSAR Institute 2019 Click […]
Welcome Wes!
The ASAP Lab welcomed a new mascot, Wesley Kerns!
IACC 2019
Dr Connor Kerns gave a talk on May 21st, 2019 at 11:45 am on Co-occurrence of Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with ASD for the IACC Workshop 2019. IACC is the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, which is a committee that provides advice to the Secretary of of Health and Human Services issues and coordinates […]
INSAR 2019
Dr Connor Kerns and Michelle Hunsche Presented at INSAR 2019 in Montreal from May 1st – 4th. Michelle presented a poster on “Parent-Reported Rates and Stability of Suicidal and intent in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” her first International event! Dr. Connor Kerns presentation at INSAR […]
CIRCA Colloquium Talk – Detecting Anxiety Disorders in Children with ASD
Dr. Connor Kerns gave a talk on March 19th, 2019 at 2pm on anxiety disorders in ASD for the CIRCA Colloquium Series 2019. See the flyer below for more information:
A Q and A with Dr. Connor Kerns
Dr. Connor Kerns is shedding important light on the anxiety that hides behind autism People with autism not only have challenges with communication, social skills, and repetitive behaviours—they can also can develop significant anxiety. It was this discovery that led Dr. Connor Kerns to pursue her line of research and ultimately become an expert in […]
Dr. Connor Kerns’ research featured in Spectrum
At the intersection of autism and trauma: Autism and post-traumatic stress disorder share many traits, but the connection between them was largely overlooked until now. “The way traumatic stress expresses itself in people on the spectrum may be different,” says Dr. Connor Kerns. Read the full article