Exploring the role of parents on the mental health and masking of autistic teens

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Project end date: April 30, 2026

About the study:

We are conducting a survey-based study to better understand how having an autistic parent may affect autistic adolescents’ mental health and masking. By understanding these relationships, our goal is to help inform how we support autistic adolescents and their families.

Eligibility:

A parent and an autistic teen are needed to participate in the study.

• Teens: 1) Must be 13 to 18 years old, 2) Must have a formal autism diagnosis, 3) Must live in Canada or the USA, and 4) Must not have a history of intellectual disability.
• Parents: 1) Can participate whether they are autistic or not, and 2) Must live with the teen a minimum of 3 days per week in Canada or the USA.

What is involved:

• A 10-minute online survey completed by a parent
• A 15-20-minute online survey completed by an autistic teen ages 13 to 18 years.
• Prior to completing the surveys, both the parent and adolescent participants will need to schedule a brief 5-minute Zoom video call to verify their identities, review consent and assent forms, and answer any questions.

Participating families will be entered to win one of 10 $50CAD e-gift cards (Starbucks, Amazon, or Uber) to thank you for your time.

Interested participants can learn more about the study and share their interest by filling out a 2-3 minute screener survey using this link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM