Exploring the role of parents on the mental health and masking of autistic teens
What's the study about?
As part of a two-study dissertation, we are conducting a survey-based study to better understand how having an autistic parent may affect autistic teens’ mental health (i.e., anxiety, stress, depression) and masking.
Who can participate?
A parent and an autistic teen are needed to participate in the study.
Teens:
- Must be 13 to 18 years old
- Must have a formal autism diagnosis
- Must live in Canada or the USA
- Must not have a history of intellectual disability.
Parents:
- Can participate whether they are autistic or not
- Must live with the teen a minimum of 3 days per week in Canada or the USA.
What will participants be doing?
Parents will complete a 10-minute online survey. Teens will complete a 15-20-minute online survey. Prior to completing the surveys, both the parent and teen participant will need to schedule a brief 5-minute Zoom video call to verify their identities and review consent and assent forms.
Why is this important?
By understanding the relationship between parents’ autistic traits and identity and autistic teen’s mental health and masking, our goal is to help inform how we can better support autistic teens’ and their families.