Father-Son research team makes novel finding

People with autism less likely to succumb to bystander effect, York U father-son research duo finds

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2023 — A well-established psychological theory states that most of us are less likely to intervene in a bad situation if other people are present, and this ‘bystander effect’ also applies to workplace settings. However, new research led by York University shows that people with autism are less likely to be affected by this social contagion than neurotypical people. They are less likely to stay silent in the face of gross misconduct or even just everyday mistakes, pointing to the positive aspects of autism and how organizations can benefit from hiring more neurodivergent people, findings reveal.

World Autism Awareness Day: From diagnosing autism to parenting, autism experts available

TORONTO, April 1, 2019 – Every day, thousands of Canadians living with autism and their families face challenges to increase awareness about their needs and experiences. World Autism Awareness Day, on April 2, 2019, provides an opportunity to improve understanding of the issues that surround the autism community. Recent statistics show 1-2% of the Canadian […]

Study shows cognitive behavioural therapy can improve emotion regulation in children with autism

TORONTO, Tuesday, April 24, 2018– New research from York University’s Faculty of Health shows cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help children with autism manage not only anxiety but other emotional challenges, such as sadness and anger. Led by Jonathan Weiss, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and CIHR Chair in Autism […]

York U research identifies effects of cognitive behaviour therapy on parents of children with autism

Study shows when parents are partners in therapy with children, they experience improvements in their own depression, emotion regulation TORONTO, August 1, 2017 – Parents of children with autism experience a greater impact from their child’s therapy than once thought, according to new research out of York University’s Faculty of Health. Jonathan Weiss, Associate Professor in […]

York U Autism Researcher Co-Author on Recommendations Report for Ontario Autism Program

Toronto, March 31, 2017 – In June 2017, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services will be launching the new Ontario Autism Program to help individuals with autism access quality services that they deserve. The Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA) assembled a group of behaviour analysts with prominent research and practice expertise, including York […]

World Autism Day: Leading York U Experts Available

TORONTO, March 30, 2017 – There have been a number of conversations in the autism community about greater access to direct supports for families and the experience of both children and parents or caregivers.  World Autism Day is on April 2, 2017 and this year’s theme is “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”. The following York U […]