Parents of children on the Autism Spectrum please help with some research into ABA

The University of Texas at San Antonio - Autism Study

The University of Texas at San Antonio – Autism Study

A few days ago we were contacted by Shanna McConnell, a M.S. candidate, at University of Texas at San Antonio. Ms McConnell is currently undertaking research with parents of children on the autism spectrum views on applied behavior analysis (ABA). For more information on ABA please have a link at our recent blog post here.

McConnell writes “A little bit about our study: there is research about how the general public views ABA, but there is not much out there about how parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder view ABA. We are interested in gathering information about parents’ experience with and opinions on ABA. We would like to compare to see if they have a different perception than the general public. ”

It has taken most parents 5-8 minutes to complete. Here is the link to Shanna’s online survey: http://svy.mk/1VRYBZx

If you have any question’s about the research please do share them in the comments section below!




Fibromyalgia Research – Please can you help Stephanie Woodacre with her research into diet and fibromyalgia

Stephanie Woodacre Fibromyalgia Research

Stephanie Woodacre Fibromyalgia Research


Please can you help Stephanie Woodacre with her research into diet and fibromyalgia.

Woodacre shares “As part of my final year dissertation at The University of Central Lancashire, I am researching the dietary preferences of women suffering with Fibromyalgia.

Research of dietary interventions or the effect of diet of Fibromyalgia symptoms is scarce. Symptoms such as chronic fatigue or disturbed sleep could be down to deficiencies or poor diet; I decided to conduct a study of dietary preferences and the impact of Fibromyalgia to see if dietary interventions could be advised to attempt to relieve the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. My research will aims to help identify if a link can be discovered between dietary preferences and the severity of the condition.

The study requires each participant to complete;

  • A four day diet diary – the diary will require all participants to record all food and drink items consumed over a 4 day period (3 weekday, 1 weekend day) .
  • The Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) – the questionnaire will measure each patient’s current health status using factors such as energy levels, pain, sleep deprivation, depression and anxiety.

Completion of the FIQR will take approximately two minutes, and the diet diary will take approximately two minutes each day.

All dietary information will be processed using a computerised nutritional database, this will identify any deficiencies within the diet and highlight any similarities between participants. The information will then be used to see if the severity of Fibromyalgia between participants is reflected in dietary deficiencies or preferences.

Participation in the study entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time before submission.

All data provided by participants will be anonymous and confidential, only  for used in the purpose of this research. Participants can be notified of any feedback and further evidence following completion of the study.

If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I would really appreciate if you could take the time to participate in my study. Research information can be sent by email or by post if required. The closing date for the study is 21st March 2016, feedback will be given by 31st May 2016.

If you would like to participate in the study or request additional information please contact me on swoodacre@uclan.ac.uk “

Does your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have behavior problems? Please help with some research!

Autism and Behavior Problems Study

Autism and Behavior Problems Study

Does your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have behavior problems?

bit.ly/1RDjoNm

This autism research is on behalf of the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research.


Does your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have difficulties with feeding? Please help us with some research?

Autism and Feeding Research

Autism and Feeding Research

Does your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder have difficulties with feeding?

http://bit.ly/1QMPCp2

From The Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research

Autism and relationships – please help two students at Deakin University with their Doctoral Research.

Autism and Relationships Research

Autism and Relationships Research

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).