My name is Grace Hancock and I am a Doctor of Clinical Psychology candidate from Deakin University, Victoria.

 Both myself, and fellow PhD candidate, Laura Pecora, are conducting a study that may be of interest to females diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The project is being supervised by Associate Professor Mark Stokes. This study aims to increase knowledge about the experiences of friendships, relationships, and sexuality for individuals with ASD as they approach adolescence and early adulthood. The main aim of this research is to investigate the issues and challenges; as well as the positive factors that males and females on the spectrum face in their pursuit of fulfilling relationships and well being in all areas including sexuality.

 Given that there is extremely limited research of the experiences that are unique to this diagnostic population, we believe that improving the knowledge base in this area will work to increase awareness and foster greater understanding among parents, family, carers and supporters of persons with ASD. Furthermore we anticipate that the findings of this study will inform and enhance sex-education programs tailored specifically to address those concerns that individuals with ASD may experience. Accordingly, we are interested in responses from people who have a clinical diagnosis of High-functioning ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome, and are aged between 12 and 24 years, or their parents.

 Participation consists of answering an anonymous questionnaire, which can be accessed through the following link: http://psych.hosted-sites.deakin.edu.au/sbs

This should take approximately 25-35 minutes to complete.

 The study has approval from the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee- (DUHREC: 2014-270).