Research Studies

AANE maintains this listing of current research for the community’s information and possible participation.

Please note:

  • These research studies are external and are not run by nor affiliated with AANE.
  • AANE is committed to identity-first language and non-medical language and approach but the research studies posted may not follow the same practices.

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Guidelines for Research Study Submission

  • Studies conducted in the United States should be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
  • Studies conducted outside of the United States should be reviewed and approved by a comparable independent organization.
  • Studies will be posted on this page within 5 to 7 business days after the form is submitted if the study is consistent with AANE’s mission and values.
  • Research studies will be removed from this page approximately one year after being posted unless a different timeframe is specified.

Researchers are invited to submit or make updates to a previously submitted study by using the button below.

  • Understanding Friendship through Autistic Women’s Voices

    We are inviting autistic adult women to participate in a research study exploring how they understand and experience friendship. This study aims to better understand how autistic women define friendship, how they distinguish friends from acquaintances, and how friendships begin and change over time, including how these experiences may differ from those of non‑autistic women. […]

  • Understanding Friendship through Autistic Women’s Voices: A Qualitative Exploration

    We are inviting women on the autism spectrum to share their experiences and perspectives on friendship. We are interested in hearing a wide range of stories and insights. By participating, you will contribute to a deeper understanding of social connection and friendship among women on the autism spectrum.Participation involves completing an eligibility survey, a demographics […]

  • Using The C.A.U.S.E. Rating Scale to Explore Parental Beliefs Surrounding Autism in Children Diagnosed During/After COVID 19

    The purpose of this dissertation is to gather, record, and interpret data regarding parental perception of causes of autism. I want to explore if there is a relationship between trust in medical professionals, where parents are getting their information from, and their beliefs in the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their child. Individuals […]

  • Masking and Mental Health in Autistic Adolescents

    We invite autistic adolescents ages 13 to 21 and a parent to participate in a survey-based study to better understand the mental health and masking of autistic adolescents with and without autistic parents. By understanding these relationships, our goal is to help inform how we support autistic adolescents and their families. This study is being conducted […]

  • Autism & Self-Esteem

    What will you be asked to do in the study? You will be asked to participate in a six-week self-esteem intervention via Zoom, which will be audio-recorded. Your video will be off. In the first five minutes of the first Zoom session, you will be given a demographic survey containing three questions asking about gender, […]

  • Incorporating Caregiver Concerns into Measures of Sleep Disturbance in Autistic Individuals

    My name is Cameron Waits and I am a graduate research assistant at Oklahoma State University’s Sleep Lab. My team is looking for participants for our non-invasive research study. The primary goal of the study is to analyze the sleep data of children with autism through the usage of the Naanit Baby Monitor Camera. One […]

  • Personal and identity-based resilience in autistic youth

    This is a virtual study that aims to understand positive mental health factors that may protect against anxiety and depression in autistic adolescents. You and your child may be eligible to participate if: 1. Your child is between the ages of 12 and 17 2. Your child has a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder […]

  • Navigating Workplace Social Expectations: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Autistic Young Adults

    Research Study Invitation: Workplace Experiences of Autistic Young Adults Individuals are invited to participate in a research study on the workplace experiences of autistic young adults (Navigating Workplace Social Expectations: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Autistic Young Adults). The purpose of this study is to better understand the workplace social experiences of autistic […]

  • Parental Perspectives on Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB) in Children with Autism: Challenges and Support Needs

    We are recruiting parents of children with autism (early to middle childhood) whose child engages in self-injurious behavior (such as head-banging, biting, or hitting themselves). This study seeks to examine parental stress, access to treatment, and how well current intervention approaches align with your family values. Your participation will help improve the support and resources […]

  • Retrospective Masking and Social Micro-Traumas

    We invite autistic adults (aged 18+) to participate in a questionnaire-based study on experiences of masking, social micro-traumas, and their relationship with mental health. The study is conducted by Dr Agnieszka Siedler from the Institute of Psychology at Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw (Poland). The study has received ethical approval from the relevant Research Ethics […]

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