ARRB Accolades
The AIR-P Network felt an expansion was needed to facilitate the participatory research component outlined in the AIR-P research agenda. To embrace opportunities for expansion, we are currently evaluating our scope of work and preparing to recruit additional members in the near future.
Stay tuned for an update!
We are grateful to the Autistic Researcher Review Board (ARRB) for their pioneering work in promoting AIR-P’s goal of being a participatory research network.
Their scope of work finished as of December 31, 2022.

We thank our previous members:
Heather Brown, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Alberta
Patrick Dwyer, MA
PhD Candidate, UC Davis
Dena Gassner, MSW
Adjunct Professor, Towson University
Morénike Giwa-Onaiwu, MA
Rice University
Steven Kapp, PhD
Lecturer, University of Portsmouth
Jackie Ryan , MA, CPA, CMA, PhD Candidate
Director of Neurodivergent Strategy at Center for Autism Services Alberta
TC Waisman, EdD, MA
University of Calgary
Zack Williams, BS, MD/PhD Candidate
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
A summary of achievements includes but is not limited to:
AIR-P LEND Node Seminars
- Involved in structure and development meetings
- Assisted in drafting a reviewer rubric and conducting mock reviews
- As a part of the feasibility funding opportunity, members reviewed project outlines and full proposals
- Members collaborated on the following articles within AIR-P and external organizations. These publications were submitted as a part of the AIR-P supplement in the journal of Pediatrics:
- February - How can we use an understanding of the neurodiversity movement to develop socially valid supports for autistic people?
- Patrick Dwyer, *PhD Candidate, Erin McKenney, Bella Kofner, Sergey Shevshuck-Hill, Dr. Kristen GIllespie-Lynch
- April - Conducting Quality Participatory Autism Research
- Patrick Dwyer*, Jackie Ryan*, Dr. Steven Kapp, Dena Gassner* (*PhD Candidate)
- Patrick Dwyer*, Jackie Ryan*, Dr. Steven Kapp, Dena Gassner* (*PhD Candidate)
- INSAR 2022
- AUCD 2022
- Ethics in Genetics and Autism Research
- Led by Heini Natri and co-led by Julian Martinez
- GSR Node-Advisory Board
- Led by Node Leaders Lisa Croen and Maria Massolo
- Board members: Dena Gassner and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
We would like to recognize our Autistic Leadership team, for their continued commitment and efforts in this work. Feel free to reach out any questions or concerns regarding the Autistic Researcher Review Board or Autistic and neurodivergent scholars working for equity in research.
Dr. Heather M Brown, Associate Professor, University of Alberta (heather2@ualberta.ca)
Zack Williams, MD/PhD Candidate, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (zachary.j.williams@Vanderbilt.Edu)