The ELF Lab, hosted on AELSFU.ca, is a Canada-based research initiative committed to advancing understanding, inclusion, and meaningful support for autistic children, youth, and adults. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada V5A 1S6), our lab focuses on interdisciplinary, evidence-based research that bridges science, technology, and lived experience. Our overarching mission is to better understand how autistic individuals perceive, process, and interact with the world, while ensuring that research outcomes translate into real-world impact.
Our Research Philosophy at ELF Lab
At the core of the ELF Lab is a strong commitment to neurodiversity and identity-first language. We recognise autism as a natural and valuable form of human diversity rather than a deficit. Our research philosophy emphasises ethical practices, inclusivity, and collaboration with autistic individuals at every stage of the research process. By incorporating autistic voices and perspectives, we aim to create research that is respectful, relevant, and beneficial to the communities it represents.
ELF Lab Research Areas and Programs
The ELF Lab leads several interconnected programs of research. One major focus involves developing smart technology powered by artificial intelligence to support autistic individuals who experience decreased sound tolerance. This sound sensitivity research explores how adaptive systems can reduce sensory overload and improve daily functioning in real-world environments.
Another key area of work centres on improving the transition to university for autistic students through the Autism Mentorship Initiative. This program examines mentorship models, peer support, and institutional strategies that promote academic success, social well-being, and long-term inclusion within higher education settings.
Attention, Perception, and Social Understanding
The ELF Lab also conducts in-depth research on attention and perception, including eye-tracking and social attention studies. These projects explore how autistic individuals visually attend to and interpret information in their surroundings. In addition, our research examines facial expression production and interpretation to better understand communication differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals. This work promotes mutual understanding and challenges one-sided models of social interaction.
Collaboration and Academic Partnerships
Collaboration is central to our work. The ELF Lab works closely with SFU’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Lab, allowing for shared expertise, resources, and interdisciplinary perspectives. These partnerships strengthen the scientific quality of our research and expand its practical relevance. Alongside autism-focused studies, we also conduct basic research on attention and perception in neurotypical populations, supporting broader cognitive science foundations.
Our Commitment to Impact and Inclusion
Beyond academic research, the ELF Lab is dedicated to raising awareness about neurodiversity and promoting inclusive practices across education, technology, and society. Through knowledge sharing, community engagement, and transparent research communication, we strive to ensure our work has lasting positive impact. AELSFU.ca serves as a platform to share our vision, research activities, and commitment to inclusive science.
Contact ELF Lab
The ELF Lab is based in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. For research inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or general information, please contact us at [email protected] or visit https://aelsfu.ca/. We welcome engagement from researchers, students, autistic individuals, families, and community partners who share our goal of advancing ethical, inclusive, and impactful autism research.