In this study, we want to investigate the views of autistic and neurotypical individuals on hobbies. The study consists of a series of short questions assessing demographics, the AQ-28 (an autism trait questionnaire), your hobbies, and the place they have in your daily life. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Anyone aged 18 years or older can participate. Through this study, we hope to give insight into the perspective of adults with autism while also allowing us to promote the positive impacts of hobbies, leading to a higher quality of life in people with autism. In addition, there is a general lack of research on this specific subject.
What are the goals of the study?
The aim of the study is to get a better understanding of the role of hobbies in the lives of autistic adults and how this compares to adults without autism. In addition, the description of autism suggests that there are important differences between neurotypical and autistic individuals in their hobbies and how they engage with them. We hope to learn how they differ and if there is a need for a term to differentiate them.
What will happen during the visit or online?
Participants will navigate to the online survey and must accept the informed consent form. If accepted, the participants will answer a 15 minute mixed-method survey.
How will this help families?
This will help families gain insight into the perspective of autistic adults, and their relationship with their hobbies. As mentioned before, this study will also allow us to find ways to promote the positive impacts of hobbies. In addition, if any terms with negative connotations are identified, this study can help bring light to those negative connotations, and help remove those terms, improving the lives of those affected by autism.