People with High Functioning Autism or Asperger syndrome. Can you help this study about relationships, etc?

Professor Richard Hastings writes: I’m part of a project called SAY-Families (also with Glasgow and Bangor Universities). The aim of the SAY-Families project is to find out about how the parents of young people with High Functioning Autism or Asperger syndrome talk to their children about relationships and sex education.

The developing sexuality of young people with High Functioning Autism or Aspergers syndrome and how this private matter is dealt with by young people and their families is a topic that has received little research attention. However, it is recognised that support with such matters is often sought after by families.

It is hoped that the information collected during this study will be able to inform the development of materials to support families and young people around this sensitive topic

We are currently at the stage of making contact with parents who might like to take part in the project and wondered if TAC Bulletin might be able help. For parents, the study would involve either taking part in a face to face interview, or an online survey.

For the face to face interviews, we are particularly looking for the parents of young people aged between 16 and 30 years old, who also have a sibling that is the same gender as them. The researcher working on the project is called Stacey Hunter and it will be Stacey carrying out the interviews with parents.

One parent of a young person can take part in an interview, or, parents can take part in an interview as a couple, if they wish. Stacey would visit the family home whenever is best for them.

For the online survey we are looking for parents of young people aged 16 and 30 to take part. The survey can also be completed by one or both parents of the young person.

Richard P. Hastings PhD CPsychol FBPsS FIASSIDD FAcSS

Contact Stacey Hunter: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.