Ontario Tech Doctoral Student Receives Autism Scholars Award for Canadian Online Research
Aneta Stolba, a doctoral candidate in the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University, has received the Autism Scholars Award from the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) for her research into how Canadian organizations portray autism online. Stolba, who lives in North Vancouver, is part of the first cohort of Ontario Tech’s Doctor of Education program, which began in 2022.
The Autism Scholars Award is presented to researchers at Ontario universities for research that relates to autism. Stolba's project examines themes, perspectives, and support mechanisms presented about autism on Canadian organizational websites.
Stolba said her focus on autism research arises from personal and professional experiences, particularly after a family member was diagnosed with autism following her immigration to Canada. Originally from Bulgaria, she has earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from Ontario Tech University. Before her doctoral studies, Stolba worked as a kindergarten teacher. Her undergraduate project at Ontario Tech examined employer capacity for hiring and retaining people with disabilities, and her master's research explored the relationship between online technology, autism, and social interaction.
According to Stolba, her current research explores how Canadian autism advocacy and support organizations use online platforms to discuss autism. She said these organizations have an important role in shaping public understanding. Stolba’s doctoral research is supervised by Dr. Robin Kay, with Dr. Allyson Eamer and Dr. Bill Hunter as co-supervisors.
The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences estimates that roughly one in 50 Canadians—about 800,000 people—are diagnosed with autism. Stolba said that although awareness has increased, research shows that stereotypes persist, and support systems do not always meet the varied needs of autistic individuals and their families, particularly adults and women. She also cited that autistic individuals experience low workforce participation, a challenge reflected in her research.