Melissa Lazo, a Ph.D. Candidate in the School and Applied Child Psychology program at the University of British Columbia, is conducting two research studies as part of her doctoral dissertation, titled Autism Across Generations: Exploring the Mental Health, Camouflaging, and Lived Experiences of Autistic Adolescents with Autistic Parents, supervised by Dr. Thomas Schanding. The aim of her research is to better understand the experiences of autistic adolescents living with an autistic parent.
They are currently recruiting participants for both studies. More information about the studies and the recruitment flyers are below:
Study 1: Survey-based 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.
What does the study involve?
- 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.
Who can participate?
- Both a parent and autistic teen must participate in the study.
- For the teen to participate, they must 1) be 13 to 18 years old, 2) have a formal autism diagnosis, 3) live in Canada or the USA, and 4) not have a history of intellectual disability.
- Parents can participate regardless of their autism diagnosis and must live with the child a minimum of 3 days per week in Canada or the USA.
Will there be compensation?
- Families will have the opportunity to enter a draw for a chance to win one of 10 $50CAD e-gift cards (Starbucks, Amazon, or Uber) to thank you for your time.
What is the next step?
- If you are interested in learning more about the study and participating, please complete a 2-3-minute screener to determine study eligibility by clicking on the following link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM
What if I have questions?
- For more information on this study or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Melissa Lazo (Co-investigator; melilazo@student.ubc.ca) and/or Dr. Thomas Schanding (Principal investigator; Thomas.schanding@ubc.ca).
Ethics ID# H25-01356
Study 2: Interview-based study
We are conducting an interview-based study to better understand autistic adolescents’ experiences living with an autistic parent. Our goal is to better understand their perspectives and the dynamics of families with a shared autistic identity.
What does the study involve?
- An online Zoom interview with a researcher (45-90 minutes). Questions will explore topics like autistic identity, daily life, and interactions with their parents.
- A brief demographic questionnaire will also be completed prior to the interview. Accommodations for the interview (e.g., video, audio, chat-based call, closed captioning) will be offered.
Who Can Participate?
- Autistic teenagers ages 13 to 18 with a formal autism diagnosis living in Canada with at least one autistic parent. The teen must be aware of their own and their parent’s autistic identity.
Will there be compensation?
- Participating families will receive a $25CAD e-gift card of their choice (Starbucks, Amazon, Uber) as a thank-you for their time.
What is the next step?
- If you are interested in participating, please complete a 2-3-minute screener to determine study eligibility by clicking on the following link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_08SmUtkS5XlvF6S
What if I have questions?
- For more information on this study or if you have questions or concerns, please contact Melissa Lazo (Co-investigator; melilazo@student.ubc.ca) and/or Dr. Thomas Schanding (Principal investigator; Thomas.schanding@ubc.ca).
Ethics ID# H25-01356