Topics Chosen by Conference Four Participants

1. Initiate a study in which ASD children are followed over time with the purpose of identifying factors associated with good outcomes and with challenging outcomes.
   
   
2. Initiate a long-term clinical trial comparing two different interventions to determine which is more effective and which child characteristics predict success in one or both of the interventions.
   
   
3. Conduct a short-term clinical trial looking at specific elements of an intervention and specific elements of the learning process that explain good outcomes, i.e., which components of the intervention are responsible for the success of the intervention.
   
   
4. Find out how to improve use of new knowledge and good quality information by parents, researchers, service providers, and policy makers.
   
   
5. What are the most effective models for training and educating parents and service providers? What are the most effective and efficient ways to support on-going training and education?
   
   
6. Compare funding resources and allocation of funding for early intervention programs in ASD. Compare funding allotted to evaluating programs and training by each province and per capita.
   
   
7. What is the minimum amount of service that should be available throughout the lifespan? To what extent does each province meet this standard?
   
   
8. What medical symptoms do children with autism have e.g., gastrointestinal, sleep disorders, seizures, physiological effects of puberty?
   
   
9. What child, parent, family, and community factors predict successful coping strategies and good quality of life? How do adults with autism perceive their quality of life? And how do their families perceive it? How does quality of life of individuals and families with ASD compare among different cultural groups?
   
   
10. How can we produce a better match between various intervention models and family styles and characteristics?