Social and Emotional Skills and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder are at high risk of having a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the way in which we are aware of and can manage our own emotions. Mental health is a broad area that encompasses one’s wellbeing. Factors like SEL skills may have the ability to impact one’s mental health. We are interested in looking at how social and emotional skills, like self awareness and responsible decision-making, may impact one’s mental health. This is a thesis study as partial requirements for the UBC School and Applied Child Psychology Master’s Program. The results of this survey will be published on academic journals or conference presentations.

One parent and one child, aged 9-15 who has a medical diagnosis or an educational classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Families will be recruited throughout North America, and must be able to understand English. Children must be able to respond to the youth questionnaire portion independently (read and respond to questions themselves).

Participants will be asked to complete in an online anonymous survey, which will take around 19-24 minutes. The survey will includes questions about your child’s background, ASD traits, anxiety and depression symptoms, and social and emotional characteristics. There are two parts of this survey to be completed in one sitting. Part one will be completed by the parent and part two will be completed by the child.

This research will provide rich data to assist schools and communities in understanding and creating environments to support mental health for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.