Category Archives: Research Studies

Understanding Social Camouflaging and Wellbeing in Autistic People

This study, conducted by Chieh-An Tai (MSc Clinical Psychology student at the University of Exeter), explores the relationship between social camouflaging (also known as masking), social stress, self-acceptance, and wellbeing in autistic individuals aged 16 and older.

Participants are invited to complete a short, anonymous online survey (approx. 15–30 minutes). At the end of the survey, participants can choose to enter a prize draw to win one of 10 x £10 Amazon gift cards.

The study has received ethical approval from the University of Exeter Psychology Ethics Committee.

Invitation for sharing your experiences about chronic/acute pain in ASD (parents of children as well as adults with ASD)

We are researchers at Dalhousie University. We are conducting a project investigating experiences of pain perception and expression to better support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The purpose of this project is to uncover factors and experiences of chronic or acute pain from the perspectives of individuals with ASD and their parents. This project will generate new understanding about pain perception or expression, which can help us create new resources to support individuals on the spectrum.

You are being invited to participate in this project if you are an

adult living with ASD aged 20 years or older, or
a guardian/parent of individuals with ASD aged 10 years or above.

Participation will require your involvement in an interview either over phone or via Microsoft Teams platform, whichever is convenient for you, to share your ideas and perspectives. We will also ask you to answer some questions through a confidential online survey.

If you are interested please email us at [email protected]

Perceptions on the Use of Isolation, Seclusion, and Restraint in the Special Education Setting

My name is Allison Duncan and I am conducting a research study on the perceptions of isolation, seclusion, and restraints in schools. I’d be honored if you could post this somewhere for the public. The IRB approval is 2015-15.

If you or anyone you know has ever been placed into a restraint or a seclusion/isolation room in school or has been an employee who places/d students into restraints or seclusion/isolation rooms, please take 10 mins to complete this anonymous survey!

Gathering Feedback on a Vaccination Social Story to Help Autistic Children and Their Caregivers

The Pediatric Pain, Health and Communication Lab (run by Dr. Meghan McMurtry) at the University of Guelph is currently recruiting participants for our research project: “Gathering Feedback on a Vaccination Social Story to Help Autistic Children and Their Caregivers.”

We are looking to gain feedback from: 1) autistic youth (ages 7-18 years) and their caregivers (18+); 2) professionals who work with autistic youth (e.g., occupational therapists); and 3) professionals who give vaccinations (e.g., nurses).

Participating would involve a screening phone call, the option to review our Social Story about vaccination before an interview (if desired), and then attending either an ~hour long virtual interview (for child-caregiver pairs) or focus group (for professionals) in which the Social Story is reviewed and then questions are asked about it (e.g., what do you like or dislike?).

Interested individuals can contact Olivia Dobson, the Graduate Student conducting the study, via email at [email protected]

Understanding how autistic people communicate with police officers

Researchers at York University are investigating how autistic adults communicate with police officers in Canada. Findings from this study may be used to understand how police interactions with people on the autism spectrum can be improved. People living in Canada, aged 17 and older, who identify as being on the autism spectrum are eligible to participate. Participation is completely online and will take about 30 minutes. Participants will need access to a computer/tablet/smartphone with audio. Participants will be asked to view short video clips, answer written questions, and respond to surveys. Participants are eligible to receive a $10 e-gift card as appreciation for their participation. Upon completion of the survey, participants will receive a separate link to provide the email address they would like the e-gift card to be sent to. Individuals interested in participating may fill out the screener survey at this link: https://yorku.questionpro.ca/t/AB3uq9AZB3u32f