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Announcing the new cohort of Data-to-Policy Fellowships

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Autism Alliance of Canada announced the new cohort of Data-to-Policy Fellows. They are joining a long list of past fellows that are conducting essential research to advance autism policy in Canada.

Fellows will work with an academic supervisor at their relevant site as well as with a community organization who is a member of Autism Alliance of Canada, ensuring community priorities remain at the forefront of their projects. The research teams will have an opportunity to play an integral role in supporting the generation and sharing of data and evidence in the autism and broader neurodevelopment disability sector while aligning with the priorities established by the Canadian National Autism Strategy.

The recipients of the 2025 Data-to-Policy Fellowships are:

  • Marwa Alkhalaf (Carleton University):
    • Project Title: Evaluating Cognitive Development in Children with Neurodevelopmental and Concurrent Conditions: Impact of Extensive Needs Services
    • Community Partner: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
    • Description: This project evaluates the Extensive Needs Services (ENS) program at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, which supports autistic children with complex developmental needs. By comparing cognitive outcomes of ENS participants and typically developing peers, the study aims to assess improvements in areas like memory, attention, and communication. The findings will inform how specialized, evidence-based interventions can foster greater independence and improved quality of life for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Grace Bennett (Carleton University): 
    • Project Title: Improving Emotional Regulation in Children on the Autism Spectrum Using EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces
    • Community Partner: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
    • Description: This innovative research aligns with the Autism Strategy’s goal of improving health and well-being by exploring a non-invasive, brain-based intervention to support emotional regulation in children with autism. By harnessing EEG technology, it offers a promising, accessible tool that could transform mental health supports for autistic children. The potential for real-time feedback and long-term behavioural benefits reflects a forward-thinking approach to inclusive, person-centred care.
  • Rachelle Humes (Carleton University):
    • Project Title: Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Interviews Project: centring caregiver voices to improve research design and care delivery 
    • Community Partner: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
    • Description: This project strengthens the Autism Strategy by centring caregiver voices to improve research design and care delivery for autistic individuals. By building on the PARC study, it ensures that family experiences directly shape future policies and engagement practices. The findings will help create more responsive, inclusive, and effective supports for the autism community.
  • Jennifer Crookshank (Carleton University):
    • Project Title: Predicting School Avoidance in Young Autistic Children
    • Community Partner: Autism Ontario
    • Description: This research supports the Autism Strategy by addressing school absenteeism, a key barrier to equitable education for Autistic children. By identifying early patterns of school avoidance and contributing factors, it can inform targeted interventions and inclusive school policies. The findings will help create supportive learning environments that promote attendance and long-term success for Autistic students.
  • Haley Clark (Queen’s University): 
    • Project Title: Re•Storying Educational Belonging: National Autism Policy Change Through Arts-Based Participatory Research
    • Funder: Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform (CanNRT)
    • Community Partner: ReStorying Autism Project
    • Description: This research directly advances the Autism Strategy’s commitment to inclusive education by amplifying the voices of diverse autistic youth. Through arts-based participatory methods, it centres lived experiences to guide educators and administrators in fostering authentic belonging—not just inclusion—in schools. The project’s outcomes will equip decision-makers with concrete, youth-informed strategies to build more equitable and supportive educational environments.
  • Saebom Park (University of Toronto): 
    • Project Title: What are the barriers and facilitators faced by community healthcare providers in providing ongoing integrated autism care?
    • Community Partner: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
    • This project supports the Autism Strategy by strengthening community-based autism care through provider training and family-informed resources. By co-developing a practical toolkit with both healthcare providers and autistic individuals, it ensures care is more responsive, inclusive, and accessible. The initiative will help close gaps in service quality, leading to better health outcomes for autistic children and their families.
  • Maya Albin (McMaster University): 
    • Project Title: “Co-designing communication partner training with autistic youth, communication partners, and speech-language pathologists”
    • Funder: McMaster University
    • Community Partner: Dori Zener & Associates
    • Description: This project contributes to the Autism Strategy by addressing communication barriers through neurodiversity-affirming research and inclusive co-design. By centring autistic voices and fostering equitable collaboration, it lays the foundation for more effective, stigma-reducing communication partner training. The outcomes will support meaningful inclusion and improved interactions between autistic and non-autistic individuals across various settings.
  • Nafiseh Kiamanesh (University of Manitoba): 
    • Project Title: Demographic, Diagnostic, Physical Health, Social Health, and Healthcare Utilization: Characteristics of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Manitoba: A Population-Based Study Using Administrative Data
    • Funder: St. Amant Research Centre
    • Community Partner: St. Amant
    • Description: This project advances the Autism Strategy by generating vital population-level insights into the health and social circumstances of children with autism in Manitoba. By identifying key disparities and service gaps, it supports the development of targeted, evidence-based policies and programmes. The findings will help organisations like St.Amant deliver more equitable, informed, and impactful support to autistic children and their families.