Research Requests
Aspergers Victoria regularly receives requests from researchers to advertise opportunities for our members to be participants in their research projects. Listed below are current projects. Please ensure you investigate the requirements carefully before deciding to be involved.
If you are a Researcher and have an authorised research study that is relevant to what we do, our members and which may be appropriate for us to publicise on our website, please complete the Research Request form and send an email to the Research Requests Co-ordinator with a copy of the research project that you want publicised through us and a copy of the ethics approval associated with the research. We will consider your request and respond to you as soon as possible. We would also appreciate you forwarding us the report or summary at the end of your project, so we may inform our members of the outcome of the research projects they may participate in.
Current Research seeking participants
ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS & AUTISM
Researchers at Deakin University are interested in what helps and what damages romantic relationships among autistic individuals. We believe this may help inform a program to support autistic people to develop better romantic relationships.
If you are at least 18 years old and:
· You are autistic (you do not have to have current or previous relationship experience to take part); or
· You are currently in or previously had a relationship with an autistic individual,
We ask if you would participate in an online survey about your romantic and possibly sexual relationship experiences, as well as your personality traits. This survey may take up to 45 minutes to complete.
To help you decide whether or not you would like to participate, you may read the Plain Language Statement for this study here:
https://deakin365-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/ryew_deakin_edu_au/EfLqOVLG_a1FgLt0Ufzo1ksB1csJ_F4gaBmuCftQmSOTkA?e=hKPu6jTo take part in the survey, go to:
https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/.../SV_1AoTIZpXUJR40ZvFor more information on this research, please contact Ying at ryew@deakin.edu.au
This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: 2020-344).
Feel free to share this with other people who may also be interested in participating!
INVESTIGATING AUTISTIC BURNOUT (#AutBurnout)
Autistic burnout is commonly described in social media (e.g. #AutBurnout) though has no mention in academic research. Online accounts link autistic burnout to ‘camouflaging’, or ‘putting on my best normal’, however, we know very little about the causes, correlates or consequences of Autistic burnout. This project seeks to put this right by understanding autistic experiences of burnout.
Who is doing this research
Researchers from The University of New South Wales, funded by the Autism CRC, are trying to understand more about autistic burnout. We want to know what the experience of autistic burnout is like, and what things are associated with people experiencing autistic burnout.
Who can participate?
This is phase 2 of our research on Autistic Burnout. We need autistic adults (over the age of 18 years) who have experienced autistic burnout to complete a survey.
What's involved?
THE NEEDS OF AUTISTIC GIRLS & WOMEN BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY (UTS)
About the research project
· To better understand the needs of autistic girls and women in Australia, we want to ask autistic women and girls (including cis, trans, non-binary, gender diverse etc) what they think are important areas for research.
· This is an autistic led project that will only include autistic people.
· This information will be used to develop an autistic-led research agenda for autistic girls and women.
Who is doing this research
· This research project is being led by an advisory group of autistic adults, with a range of backgrounds and experiences.
· This group is working with Dr Rachel Grove from the University of Technology Sydney, who is a psychologist and researcher with a focus on autistic women and girls.
· I am the research assistant for this project, and will be the person contacting participants and conducting the interviews. I am also autistic.
What is involved
· We are conducting interviews with both autistic women and girls (including cis, trans, non-binary, gender diverse etc)
· Adults who are over the age of 18 and live in Australia are able to participate
· Girls who are over the age of 7 and live in Australia are able to participate
· Both the autistic women and girls will be asked to:
1. Complete a 10 minute background questionnaire
2. Participate in a 1 to 2 hour interview
This project has approval from the University of Technology of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.
This project is designed by autistic women. You will be interviewed by an autistic woman.
Please email us if you are interested: autistic.womenandgirls@uts.edu.au
EMPLOYMENT & COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION RESEARCH PROJECT
Research project that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is conducting to understand the challenges that NDIS participants face while participating in the community and finding and keeping a job.
The research project relates to participants who have autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability or psychosocial disability, and their family, carers and other supporters.
Looking for:
- NDIS participants (aged 14 to 44 years) with autism, intellectual disability, and/or experience of psychosocial disability
- Families, carers, supporters and plan nominees of NDIS participants (aged 7 to 44 years) with autism, intellectual disability and/or experience of psychosocial disability.
Through this project we hope to find ways to improve their social participation, and connections to communities, and remove barriers to employment.
The research is being carried out through interviews with NDIS participants and their family, carers and other supporters. Expressions of interest and interviews for the study will be continuing through November 2020.
The research will be conducted either virtually (using Microsoft Teams), or by phone due to social distancing rules.
If anyone needs special assistance during the interviews, we can provide following supports:
- Screen-reader friendly emails and text messages
- An interpreter (including Auslan) for face-to-face interviews
- Translating and Interpreting Services for phone calls and interviews
Participants can also bring a support person with them during the interview if required.
Participants can express an interest by calling the NDIA Research Team (03) 9621 6118 or emailing: researchprojects@ndis.gov.au
Participants, their family member, carer or other supporter will be paid for their time in line with NDIA’s payment policy.
Please note that spaces in this research project are limited.
UNIVERSITY OF KENT - COMEDY CLASSES FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS: EXPLORING THE BENEFITS & IMPACT ON ANXIETY
A research study exploring the effects autistic adults (16 years and older) experience when they participate in improv comedy cIasses. Participants required are Autistic people that are:
• 16 years old or over
• Diagnosed or self-identify as Autistic
• Able to attend four classes with a focus group afterwards each week at a mutually convenient time
If you choose to participate, you will access a short ‘Introduction to Improv Comedy’ course for anyone around the world. You will be asked to complete a few tasks (incl. focus group discussions).
• Classes can begin when four people are able to attend the same class (day and time)
If you would like to take part, or find out more information, please get in touch with:
Nathan Keates mailto:nk411@kent.ac.uk
OLGA TENNISON AUTISM RESEARCH CENTRE, LATROBE UNIVERSITY – PROFESSIONALS' EARLY AUTISM KNOWLEDGE & TRAINING
A research study regarding professionals’ early autism knowledge and training needs, to help design an online training program tailored for use by professionals. We are seeking input from medical, allied health, and early childhood professionals who regularly work with children aged 11-36 months of age. This training program will be based on ASDetect, our successful early autism detection app for parents.
The link to fill out the survey is https://is.gd/ASDetectPRO
More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASDetectApp; https://www.facebook.com/OlgaTennisonAutismResearchCentre
To participate or any questions: Shannon Elgar: 18925856@students.latrobe.edu.au)
Latrobe University, THE CUB STUDY: COMMUNICATING & UNDERSTANDING YOUR BABY
A randomised-controlled trial of a behavioural intervention for optimising social and communication development of newborns with a genetic link to ASD, ADHD or Intellectual Disability.
The study commences in the third antenatal trimester of pregnancy and continues until the child turns 2 years of age.
Study participants required: Pregnant women whose baby has a family history of Autism, ADHD, or Intellectual Disability
The CUB study participation involves being randomised into one of the two study groups. 50% of participants will be allocated the developmental monitoring group, while the other half will be allocated to the intervention group.
This research is investigating a new program that runs from the third antenatal trimester through to when the baby is 8 months of age. Through this randomised control trial, we are exploring whether this program may help parents understand more about their baby’s early social and communication skills, and in the process assist their baby’s development. All participating babies will receive developmental monitoring as part of the trial.
More information at CAPTeam, Childhood Autism Phenotype Team current studies: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/psychology/research/research-areas/developmental-psychology/CAPTeam/current-studies
Contact: Alex Aulich, Study Coordinator: CUBS@latrobe.edu.au
LATROBE UNIVERSITY - RESILIENCE PATHWAYS IN AUTISTIC ADULTS STUDY
Latrobe University researchers are interested in understanding the different pathways that may lead to well-being in autistic adults in Australia.
This anonymous online survey will take on average 30 minutes to complete (however some may take less, and others longer).
All participants can choose to receive a $10AUD Coles e-voucher upon survey completion.
To participate in the survey or any questions, please contact Melanie on m.muniandy@latrobe.edu.au
UTAS-FACTORS INFLUENCING PARENTAL STRESS OF ASD VS NEUROTYPICAL INDIVIDUALS
Research team headed by Dr Michael Quinn, from the Division of Psychology at the University of Tasmania. Assistance in helping research investigating the factors that influence parenting stress and how these factors may differ between parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and parents of a typically developing child. We are also seeking to validate a unique tool to measure parenting stress - the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI). The APSI was developed with emphasis on capturing the unique behavioural and psychological stressors which parents of children with ASD experience. We hope that this tool could be used to help guide allied health professionals to assist parents of children with ASD with their stress.
The research involves completing an online survey that takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
Contact: Shahna Mailey (Student Investigator) smailey@utas.edu.au
https://surveys.utas.edu.au/index.php/167329.
Alternative contact: Project’s Chief Investigator, Dr Michael Quinn - Michael.Quinn@utas.edu.au, or phone him on (03) 6226 2998.
QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (qut) - middle years learners on the Spectrum:
Who can participate?
- Students aged 8-16 who are or think they may be on the autism spectrum.
- Student who study in a rural, remote, indigenous or alternative settings (e.g. distance learning, home schooling etc).
- Completing an online survey here.
- Please contact the research please contact the research team at mybsp-research@qut.edu.au, or you may contact the project leader, Beth Saggers at b.saggers@qut.edu.au or on 07 31389615.
- Review the MYBSP flyer here (pdf)
Monash Uni - coping with life events
Monash Uni are seeking adolescents, their parents and teachers for a study on how they are coping with life events.
Who can participate?
- Adolescents aged 12-18 years with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
- Parents and teachers of the adolescents.
- Completing a series of rating scales.
- Please contact Nerelie Freeman via email at nerelie.freeman@monash.edu or by phone on 9905 4351
- Review the Coping with Life Events flyer (pdf)
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND (UQ) - what Autistic adults/Adults with ASD wanted from their parents
Who can participate?
- Adults with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
- Completing an online 30 minute survey. Access the survey here
- Please contact
contact Ms Sarah Lee on lee.jy.sarah@uq.net.au, Dr Koa Whittingham on (07) 3069 7346 or Dr Amy Mitchell on (07) 3346 1202.
- Review the Investigating what ASD children wanted from their parents flyer here (pdf)
Deakin Uni -Significant Safety Factors in School Environment for Teens
Deakin Uni are seeking adolestcentswho are willing to discuss their views and experiences of the factors in school environment that are significant to their safety and wellbeing. This study is expected to feed into Australia's National Safe School Framework and Victoria’s Program for Students with Disabilities for fostering wellbeing, safety, anti-bullying and inclusion of students with ASD.
Who can participate?
- Adolescents of secondary school age who identify as being on the autism spectrum.
- Must be at a mainstream school in Victoria.
Taking part in four sessions altogether (time and place that is convenient) : 1) A 30 minute introduction meeting with the researcher; 2) A 45-60 minute session at school (outside school hours) to take photographs of the things and spaces significant to participant’s safety and wellbeing at school; 3) Participate in one 45-60-minute interview to talk about the photos taken and 4) Take part in an a brief information verification meeting. Teens will be reimbursed with a $20 gift card per session (maximum $80 total). They can bring a companion/parent to the meetings if they wish to. Where can I find further information?
- Please contact Lan Do via email at pldo@deakin.edu.au or by phone on 0423 018 602.
- Review the ASD Influences of contextual factors on students' wellbeing and safety flyer (pdf)
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