smoresun

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in my study. I've submitted my dissertation and my supervisor wants to publish the study. So a HUGE thanks to you all. In order to publish, we'd like to have a larger sample so I am looking for more participants. If you haven't already participate, please consider it! This research's aim is to help understand parent's experiences, negative and positive, and the personal effect that caring for a child with autism can have on a parent. Thanks again!

Sorry I'm so slow to reply. I've been away and then my computer was away getting fixed. JeanneA: Sorry that you are had problems with getting in to the survey.. It's the first that I've heard of someone not being able to go to the next page, especially if it's an email that you are using. If you are still interested in completing the survey, you could use something other than your email as an id number. Use something unique like a random combination of letters and numbers. Babnye1: The survey is looking at the stress that comes with the autism diagnosis. It doesn't necessarily have to do with being able to cope with your child but from the impact of autism in your life, which includes the interactions with organizations and professionals. This is stress that you would not have had to encounter otherwise. Your participation would not create a false picture, but would be very much appreciated.

Thanks for the welcome I have to admit I have never heard of a BPhil degree before and had to google to check out what it is! Are you planning on continuing on in the academic field?

Thanks for filling out the questionnaire and for the feedback! I'm sorry the wording was a bit confusing. I will take a look at it to see if there is a way I can make it more clear. Shnoing, that's a really interesting point about asking about the parent's own diagnosis. I have to admit, I hadn't thought of asking about that, but for sure for some people it would make a huge different in how they handle their child's diagnosis. Thanks for the insight

Hello! I'm new here. I'm a professional who works with kids on the autism spectrum. After graduating from university, I fell into this career through a job offer by a friend and have never looked back. I really love the kids I work with and being able to help them grow and express themselves as individuals. In the last few years, I've discovered the online autism community and all the amazing blogs and conversations going on. It has really expanded my understanding of autism and it has had a huge effect on the way I approach the individuals I work with. I've been reading as many blogs and books by individuals on the autism spectrum and parents to help myself understand the individuals I work with, how they experience the world, and how to best support them. Right now I am taking a break from work and completing a MSc in Clinical Psychology in the UK (though I am originally from Canada). I'm currently working on my dissertation which is on stress and personal growth in parents of children on the autism spectrum (details in my signature and posted in the 'General Discussion' forum). I look forward to seeing what this forum has to offer, getting to know some of you, and continuing to expand my understanding of autism and life with autism. Cheers, Shannon

No worries, I would be skeptical about giving out my info as well. I just didn't want to break the forum rules. Sorry about that! Here is the link to the survey: http://psy.swansea.ac.uk/questionnaires/716144/ Any help is greatly appreciated. And here is a bit more about me: I'm originally from Canada but am completing a MSc in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology in Swansea, Wales this year. I have been working with kids and teenagers on the autism spectrum in a variety roles for the last 5 years (nanny, ABA therapist, outdoor educator, integration aide at a school, holiday programmer, and home support worker) and have loved every minute of it. I would love to develop more outdoor programing for individuals on the autism spectrum in the future. It's amazing watching kids flourish outside of the city environment. I really love the kids I work with and being able to help them grow and express themselves as individuals. In the last few years, I've discovered the online autism community and all the amazing blogs and conversations going on. It has really expanded my understanding of autism and it has had a huge effect on the way I approach the individuals I work with. Thanks for your time and participation. If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Hi, I'm a student in the MSc Abnormal and Clinical program at Swansea University in Wales. For my dissertation, I am investigating the effect that receiving a child’s autism diagnosis can have on parents by looking at both personal growth and stress symptoms that occur following the diagnosis. I hope to identify the characteristics of the parents that lead to these experiences. Understanding how parents are affected is important as a parent’s mental health is often overlooked, yet can have a large impact on their family and lives. I am looking for mothers and fathers who have at least one child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and would be willing to complete an anonymous 20-minute online survey. Because of the forums rules on posting external links, I ask you to please email me at 716144@swansea.ac.uk if you would be interested in participating or have any questions about the research. Within the link I would send to you, there is an information sheet, consent form, the questionnaire, and a debrief form that further elaborates on the study. I would be happy to provide anyone who participates a copy of the results at the end of the study. Thanks for your time and help. Kind regards, Shannon