Online research has become an essential tool for advancing knowledge in neurodevelopmental conditions, but it also faces unique challenges. In this session, Mackenzie Salt will share insights from the Canadian Autistic Adult Needs Assessment Survey, a study that was substantially affected by bots and scam participants.
Through this case study, participants will learn:
How bots and scam participants can compromise online research data.
What it looks like when a study begins to be targeted.
Strategies researchers can use to address these issues and assess their effectiveness.
Practical recommendations to strengthen the design of future online research in neurodevelopmental conditions.
Speaker
Mackenzie Salt, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, and a Research Associate at the National Centre for Autism Collaboration. As an Autistic researcher, his work is grounded in lived experience and deeply connected to community needs. Through his research, Salt brings attention to the voices of autistic adults, helping shape national policy and research practices that better reflect the realities of those they aim to support.
An alum of CanNRT’s predecessor, the Autism Research Training (ART) program, Salt is now a member of the CanNRT Steering Committee, actively contributing to program leadership, teaching, and networking activities. His long-standing commitment to improving quality of life for the Autistic community continues to inform his collaborative, national work.
Questions?
Contact: Ellie-Anna Minogianis
Training Program Manager, CanNRT
cannrt@mcgill.ca
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