Parental Stress: Parents of Children with Autism
Protocol Number: HSR-23-24-309

You are being asked to take part in a research study carried out by Damion Garcia, under the advisement of Dr. Nancy L. Segal. This consent form explains the research study and your part if you decide to join the study. Please read the form carefully, taking as much time as you need. Ask the researcher Damion Garcia (dgarcia107@csu.fullerton.edu) to explain anything you do not understand. If you join the study, you can change your mind and leave the study at any time. There will be no penalty, loss of services or benefits if you decide not to participate.

Researchers:
Damion Garcia, Psychology M.A. student
Department of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton

Nancy L. Segal, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology at California State University, Fullerton

What is this study about?
The purpose of this study is to examine parental stress levels of caregivers who have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You are being asked to participate in this study because you are a caregiver of a child, either single birth child, one twin in a pair, or both twins in a pair with ASD. You cannot take part in this study if you are under the age of 18 years of age. Taking part in the study will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. 

What will I be asked to do if I am in this study?
If you take part in the research study, you will be asked to complete a survey about parental stress. You will be asked about your stress level directly impacted by your child's ASD diagnosis. 

Are there any benefits to me if I am in this study?
I will communicate my concerns and experiences to a research project. This information will help other families. The researcher, Damion Garcia, will share group results of the study once completed. 

Are there any risks to me if I am in this study?
This protocol contains no foreseeable risks. The researcher has taken precautions to minimize any psychological risks. 

In the event of an emergency, please contact 9-1-1.

Will my information be kept anonymous or confidential?
The data for this study will be kept anonymous and confidential. Neither the researcher(s) nor anyone else will be able to link data to you. No published results will identify you, and your information will not be associated with the findings. 

The data for this study will be kept for a minimum of 3 years after the completion of the study as required by CSU Fullerton. Individuals may keep the data indefinitely. The results of this study may be published and/or presented at professional meetings, but the identities of all research participants will remain anonymous.

Are there any costs or payments for being in this study?
I will receive a summary of the findings upon completion of the study, as a participant. 

Whom can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about this study or the information in this form, please contact the researcher Damion Garcia at dgarcia107@csu.fullerton.edu. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or would like to report a concern about this study, please contact the Institutional Review Board at (657) 278-7719 or e-mail irb@fullerton.edu.

What are my rights as a research study volunteer?
Your participating in this study is completely voluntary. You may choose not to be part of this study. There will be no penalty for you if you choose not to take part. You may choose not to answer specific questions or stop participating at any time.

What does my signature on this form mean? Your signature on this form means that:
 • You understand the information given to you in this form
 • You have been able to ask the researcher questions and state any concerns
 • The researcher has responded to your questions and concerns
 • You believe you understand the research study and the potential benefits and risks that are involved.