Research Studies

Children with Asperger syndrome who are between 8 and 12 years old, along with their parents or guardians, are invited to participate in a research study that will identify patterns of social participation.

What is the study about?
This study will look at patterns of participation in activities when children are not in school and evaluate the perceptions of children related to what they would like to do with their time out of school.

Why is it important?
A description of the social participation patterns of children with Asperger syndrome can inform therapists about issues that can be addressed by programs. Understanding how competent children feel in social situations and how they may value participation in social activities is important information to consider when developing programs related to improving social participation.

What will be done?
Caregivers will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about their child’s social skills. The child will be asked questions about drawings of children participating in a variety of activities such as playing, hanging out, and watching television. The children will also participate in a second part of the research study in which the child will be asked how well they perform activities and how important those activities are to them.

Who will see the information?
The child’s individual responses will be coded so that they cannot be identified in any way. Only the graduate student researchers, faculty advisor and the IRB will be able to see the individual information.

Are there any costs?
There are no costs, and you are not obligated to participate. If your child chooses to join this study, there is a small thank you gift for the child.

How do I get more information?
If you would like more information about becoming involved in this study, please contact:

Lisa Crabtree
(410) 704-4330
lcrabtree@towson.edu