The current study is being conducted by Drs. Knutson, Viskupic, and Wiltse from South Dakota State University. This is a collaborative initiative to gain insight into various areas impacting the autism community. Dr. Knutson is a clinician having worked with autistic individuals and families for 15+ years. Drs. Viskupic and Wiltse are political scientists who examine attitudes and behaviors surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Key points to the study: Prevalence and impact of head-directed self-injurious behavior – Attitudes surrounding supportive equipment – Impact of COVID-19 on access to treatment and healthcare choices.
What are the goals of the study?
Our goal with this study is to gain critical information impacting families who have a loved one with autism. By gathering this information, we hope to improve individual safety, treatment options, treatment accessibility, and policy change supporting family needs.
What will happen during the visit or online?
Participating means completion of an online survey through QuestionPro. You may skip any questions you do not want to answer. We anticipate it will take about 10 minutes of your time.
How will this help families?
These data will assist us in supporting families and individuals impacted by autism, head-directed self-injury, the development of supportive equipment to better protect individuals and guide treatment, and to understand how the recent worldwide COVID-19 pandemic impacted this population to support policy/planning.
