autism and Asperger’s research
February 12, 2008
Dear parents:
I am conducting a study at the University of New Hampshire to look at whether children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder have measurable differences in how they react to their environment. A number of other therapists and students are helping with this project. The markers that I am studying are a stress hormone, cortisol, and a digestive enzyme, alpha-amylase. Both markers are detected in saliva. I am asking if you would consider helping me with this project: there are no financial incentives for participating but you would be helping to contribute to a better understanding of why children with autism and Asperger’s react to things in their environment in sometimes unusual ways. We are looking for children ages 3-12 years with a diagnosis of ASD from two sources, a physician and other clinical specialist trained in diagnosing autism (e.g. psychologist, or other specialist using the Autism Diagnostic Observation System (ADOS), as well as children aged 3-12 years who do not have known behavioral or social disabilities. The tasks asked of you include filling out a few short surveys and collecting 8 saliva samples from your child over a two-day period (4 times each day at specified times). All materials are mailed or given to you and you mail samples back to me so that no travel is involved. I would very much appreciate your participation, and thank you in advance for considering the study. I have attached a consent form for you to review.
If you would like to know more or have materials sent to you, please call me at 603-862-2461 or email bpwhite@unh.edu.
Thank you,
Barb Prudhomme White
Download Consent Form
Parental consent form for the autism and stress biomarkers project
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