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Research Participants Needed: Autistic Adolescents and Families

Research Participants Needed: Autistic Adolescents and Families

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Project end date: December 31, 2026

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The SMART Lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is currently recruiting participants for two doctoral research studies focused on the mental health, identity, and family experiences of autistic adolescents and their parents.

These studies aim to better understand the lived experiences of autistic youth and families, and to help improve future supports for the autism community

Study 1: Survey-Based Study

Purpose

To better understand the mental health and masking experiences of autistic adolescents with and without autistic parents.

What does the study involve?

  • A 10-minute online survey completed by a parent

  • A 15–20-minute online survey completed by an autistic adolescent/youth (ages 13–21)

  • A 5-minute Zoom call to verify identities and confirm consent before survey completion

Who can participate?

  • Both the parent and the autistic adolescent/youth must participate

  • Adolescents/youth must:

    • Be 13–21 years old

    • Have an autism diagnosis

    • Live in Canada, the USA, England, or Australia

    • Have no history of intellectual disability

  • The parent must live with the adolescent at least 3 days per week

  • Autistic and non-autistic parents are welcome

Compensation

Families can enter a draw to win one of ten $50 CAD e-gift cards.

Next Step

Complete a short screener (2–3 minutes):

👉 https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM

Study 2: Interview-Based Study

Purpose

To explore autistic adolescents’ experiences growing up with an autistic parent and their perspectives on shared autistic identity within families.

What does the study involve?

  • A 45–60 minute Zoom interview with a researcher

  • A 5-minute demographic questionnaire was completed beforehand

  • Interview accommodations are available

Who can participate?

  • Both an autistic parent and an autistic adolescent/youth must participate

  • Adolescents/youth must:

    • Be 13–21 years old

    • Have a formal autism diagnosis

    • Live in Canada

    • Be aware of both their own and their parent’s autistic identity

  • Parent must be self-diagnosed or formally diagnosed as autistic

Compensation

Participating families will receive a $25 CAD e-gift card.

Next Step

Complete a short screener (2–3 minutes):

👉 https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08SmUtkS5XlvF6S

Questions or More Information

Please contact:

Melissa Lazo (Co-investigator) – [email protected]

Dr. Thomas Schanding (Principal Investigator) – [email protected]

Ethics ID: H25-01356

 

Posted on February 3, 2026