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About the Study

NAVIGATING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

A Parent Support Research Study

WHY PARTICIPATE?

We are studying different approaches to ways parent-peer support can help parents and caregivers navigate new changes, home life, and accessing treatments and services for their autistic child. In this research study, you and your co-parent will receive information, support, and guidance about parenting a child with autism and navigating services from a veteran parent who has been where you are. This research is being done to examine the helpfulness of two different parent, peer support programs. Participating in this research will help provide us with valuable information to support future families.

Families can receive up to $500 in gift cards for participating!

An image of a mother, father, and young child on the floor playing together.
University of South Carolina College of Social Work Logo

This study is being conducted in partnership with The University of South Carolina and Pennsylvania State University.

Pennsylvania State University Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development logo

WHAT IS INVOLVED? 

1

Pre-screening phone call with a research associate. Together, you will discuss the details of the study and determine if your family is eligible and interested in participating. 

2

You and your co-parent will each complete an online questionnaire and participate in a 20-30 minute Family Play Session with Research Associate, Brenis Aaron, via Zoom.  

3

Parents/Caregivers will be able to participate in one of two parent support programs and receive support from a veteran parent of a child with autism. Each family will be randomly assigned to either the Autism Parent Navigator Program or the Autism Parent Mentor Program. 

4

After you complete the parent support program, you and your co-parent will each complete an online questionnaire and participate in a 20-30 minute Family Play Session with Research Associate, Brenis Aaron, via Zoom.   

5

12-months after you have completed the parent support program, Brenis Aaron will contact you to have you and your co-parent complete an online questionnaire and participate in a 20-30 minute Family Play Session.  

$75

each

$75

each

$75

each

IS MY FAMILY  ELIGIBLE?

You may be eligible if:

☐ Your child has been diagnosed with autism within the last 12 months

☐ This is your first child to receive an autism diagnosis

☐ You share parenting responsibilities with another adult who lives in the home

☐ Your child is between the ages of 18 months and 8 years old

☐ You live in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Pennsylvania 

Lab Contact Information

Abigail Mojica, Research Coordinator

(803) 386-9451

College of Social Work

University of South Carolina

1512 Pendelton St

Columbia, SC 29208

Do you think your child might be autistic?

 

If you are eligible and interested in participating in our research, your child can receive a free autism assessment and report from a licensed psychologist.

 

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