Seeking parents of teens with ASD for an online survey

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Dear Parents,
My name is Wendy Hill Williams and I am a parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum and a doctoral candidate at Northcentral University. I am conducting research on "Adult attachment, caregiver strain, and health related quality of life in parental caregivers of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders." In other words I am interested in exploring if attachment to your partner influences the effects of your caregiver strain and health related quality of life. The results of the research will benefit scientific knowledge and perhaps lead to effective ways to provide greater support, lessen caregiver stress and boost health related quality of life in parents with children on the autism spectrum.

If you are the parent of an adolescent with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, I need your help completing my research. Please visit my website to learn more about the study:

https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_427wSijDefLMvlj

You may also forward this email to anyone else you know who has an adolescent with an autism spectrum disorder.

With appreciation,

Wendy

Online survey for parents of teens with ASDOnline study

I think you should mention that a donation to Autism Speaks is made for each person who responds to the survey.
J.

Dear Postcards,

I think you just did that for me. Thank you. It is mentioned on my study information page but to make it more overt here is a good point.

I appreciate your feedback,
Wendy

I would never participate in something that gives money to Autism Speaks.

Sorry.

Thanks for posting that, Postcards57.

Just looking at the title of your survey, it doesn't sound like you are looking for a family like mine. While we definitely have some extra hurdles because of my son's ASD, by and large we don't have to do that much extra for him, and in many ways the issues we do have are offset by not having to worry about many typical teen things his intense internal code won't let him do. ASD is a spectrum, and for many of us how it affects the rest of the family is really far down the list of concerns, behind remembering to get the SAT accommodations in place, etc etc. But, of course, if you feel that your survey IS trying to show the breath of experience, let me know.

As far as Autism Speaks - well, they aren't as bad as they used to be, and the owner of this site seems to have a relationship with them. But, overall, our membership has been pretty upset by the organizations failure to care about the needs of those on the so-called higher end of the spectrum, failure to really consider the viewpoints of the Asperger's community, but success at autism scare tactics and making many autistics feel that they aren't wanted in this society. So, yeah, having any association with them isn't exactly a bonus on this site.

Thanks for posting. I really appreciate it. ASDMommyASDkid, I became aware of the controversy about Autism Speaks after I created the survey with the donation. They were the first organization to post my study so that is why they are listed to receive the donation. But please don't do anything you are not comfortable with. DW_a_mom, please do take the survey because a wide variety of experiences is what I am looking for. There are no preconceived notions or ways parents respond to having a child on the spectrum. Your own experience (and your husband's too if he is willing) is what matters most.

Thank you so much for posting your thoughts and opinions.

With appreciation,

Hi Wendy,

I know it has been a few years since this was posted, so I don't know if you'll see this or not. But I also have a family member on the spectrum and am currently in graduate school and studying the experiences and wellbeing of individuals with ASD (including Asperger's) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. I was wondering if you might be wiling to share information about a survey that we are running for parents and other family caregivers of teenagers and young adults with autism, intellectual disability, or a developmental disability. The online survey is anonymous and takes 25-45 minutes to complete. We will raffle of twenty $30 gift cards for participants. The survey is open until April 15th. Please let me know if you might be willing to share the survey with anyone or could offer any advice on getting the word out about the survey. My email is [email protected].

The survey link is: https://iitcop.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SI ... 2nvUDozzox

Thank you in advance for your help!

Thank you!
Melissa