CONNECT Project

What is the CONNECT project?

The CONtiNuity of care and services for adults living on the autism spECTrum disorder project aims to overcome the barriers to address the issues faced by adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

ASD is a neuro-developmental disorder, characterized by life-long social communication differences and restricted, repetitive or inflexible behavior patters. Individuals with ASD comprise a complex population with a wide range of medical, psychological, social and community needs.

Led by Dr. Caroline Jose, the CONNECT project team is comprised of representatives from across the Maritime provinces, including:

  • Adults living with ASD
  • Caregivers
  • Researchers
  • Health professionals
  • Decision makers
  • Services providers

The study has three goals:

  1. Build patient-oriented research capacity in adults autism in the Maritimes
  2. Increase knowledge on adults ASD
  3. Share and transfer new and existing knowledge to health and social service providers, policy-makers and the ASD community.

Why is this study being done?

  • Lack of research capacity on adults ASD
  • Lack of knowledge and evidence-based examples of care and support
  • Lack of coordinated communication among the research community, autism advocates, families and decision and policy makers.

Access to primary health care, support and services is limited as individuals on the Autism Spectrum reach adulthood.

The evidence base on services for adults with ASD is severely lacking for information policy and program decisions to meet the needs of this growing population.

At completion of the project, decision-makers will have access to a portfolio of evidence-based tools, created in collaboration with adults with ASD, their families and other knowledge users to improve the continuity of care and support for the ASD community.

To learn more about the CONNECT project, contact Caroline Jose.
 

In the News
http://www.umoncton.ca/nouvelles/info.php?id=19479
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/l-heure-de-pointe-acadie/segments/reportage/23267/caroline-jose-autiste-connect