We are seeking adolescents and young adults aged 14-24 years old with autism spectrum disorder to participate in a remote focus group study. The purpose of this study is to gain insight from young adults and adolescents about their satisfaction with their performance and participation in daily life activities. It aims to develop ways to promote inclusion and participation among individuals with autism spectrum disorders so that they can share experiences with their typical peers. The focus groups will be separated based on age so the participants feel more comfortable speaking to similarly aged peers.
We ask that the participants engage in brief discussions about 1-2 topics per week for 45-60 minutes for a total of 6-7 hours devoted to the discussion over Zoom across multiple weeks. Exclusionary criteria for this study includes being outside of the 14 to 24 years age range, does not have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and only follows one-step directions.
To thank participants for their time and participation in the research study, a $10 gift card will be awarded to those who participate for 50% or more of the research study.
If you would like additional information about this study, please contact the PI Ashley Mason icotresearch_mason@ithaca.edu or call 607-274-5110.
Thank you for your consideration, and once again, please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in learning more about this Institutional Review Board approved project (#IRB 285).
Sincerely,
Ithaca College Occupational Therapy Graduate Students (Investigators):
Katie Dick, Emily Kwan, Erin Loonie, Samantha Marsh, Serena Rumplasch, Sydney Strelec, Anna Sullivan, Emily Sutaria and Ashley Mason, PhD, OTR/L (Principal Investigator)