Family online research for the ASD community

[Guest guest]

Dear parents,

My name is Dr. Weiss, and I am a researcher and clinician who conducts

studies into issues that are important to families of people with ASD and to

people with ASD themselves.

We have developed two online surveys that you may be interested in knowing

about:

1) The Family Crisis Project. We are very interested in what happens when people

with intellectual disabilities, autism, or Asperger syndrome have major

challenges or are in crisis. We want to know from the perspectives of family

members when someone in that family has a crisis. In order to understand

families' experiences, we are asking family members to complete an on-line

questionnaire. Participation takes approximately 20-30 minutes. If someone in

your family with an ASD has experienced major challenges or has been in crisis,

you can share your story or read more about the survey by going here: or click

on the following link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=I3FJDmNtEnp4AaVSGdF2YA_3d_3d

2)Bullying in ASD: We are conducting an online study to investigate bullying

experiences among children and youth diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD). There is currently little research on this topic despite anecdotal

evidence that suggests it is a very important issue for children and youth with

ASD. This study will identify factors that increase or decrease the likelihood

of bullying and investigate the impact of bullying on the mental health of

children with ASD.

Please take 30 minutes to complete an important survey about bullying! As a

first step towards a better understanding of bullying and victimization among

children and youth with ASD, parents can complete this survey online. Parents

will be asked to talk about their child's experiences with bullying, school

situation, and diagnosis and symptoms of Asperger syndrome or Autism. Parents

will also be asked their own perspective on their child's health and behaviour

and how this makes them feel.

Survey results will be used to support school and community programs for

children and youth with ASD. The knowledge gained through this study will

contribute to the development of future bullying prevention and intervention

programs. This project was approved by the York University Research Ethics

Board.

Thank you in advance for your consideration! As a token of our appreciation,

all survey participants will be entered into a draw for $300.

To learn more about the survey or to participate, please click here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bZg3nLA_2bQWdW_2bI_2fz_2bbXchw_3d_3d

You can also see the other projects we have for families of people with ASD by

going to the website: www.familyprojects.ca

Thank you very much,

Dr. Weiss

York University

416-736-2100 ext. 22987