As a parent of a child with Asperger syndrome or Autism, we would like to get your perspective on a very important topic: Bullying and your child. Although we do know that this is a relevant topic for many students and families, little is known about the impact of bullying on children with Asperger syndrome or Autism. The focus of this project is to better understand the experience of bullying by students with Asperger syndrome and Autism across Canada. As a first step, we are seeking your opinions and experiences.
We are inviting parents to complete an online survey. Only one parent would need to complete the survey. The survey will ask you about your child’s experiences with bullying, his or her school situation, his or her diagnosis and symptoms of Asperger syndrome and Autism, your perspective on his or her health and his or her behaviours. We also ask briefly about how you have been feelings.
The research is being conducted primarily by a doctoral student, Catherine Cappadocia, and researcher, Dr. Jonathan Weiss, from York University. This research has been approved by the Ethics Review Board of York University.
The online survey takes approximately 30 minutes, and can be complete by using the link below. If you would like a hard copy of the survey instead of completing it online, please contact Catherine at catcap@yorku.ca. All surveys and answers will be kept anonymous and you or your child’s name will not appear anywhere on the survey or in any research reports. Your participation is voluntary, and confidentiality will be provided to the fullest extent possible by law.
Risks to participating may include feelings of discomfort generated by the content of the questions asked, in particular the questions relating to their children's experiences of being bullied. You will not have to answer any questions that you are uncomfortable with and you are free to leave the study at any time. If you would like to discontinue participation in the study at any time, your survey will be destroyed. As a small way for us to thank you for your help in our study, your name will be entered into a draw to win $300, which will occur on July 1, 2010.
At this time, we are asking for your consent to participate in this project
By using the link below, you will be able to access the online consent form and the study: Click Here to take survey
Any questions or concerns about this project can be directed to Catherine Cappadocia, M.A., Project Coordinator (647) 283-2585 or by email at catcap@yorku.ca. Any questions/concerns regarding the Human Participants Review Committee can be directed to the Senior Manager & Policy Advisor, Office of Research Ethics at York University, 309 York Lanes, 416-736-5914 or ore@yorku.ca.
We thank you very much for your consideration!