Post by magda on Apr 2, 2021 13:49:08 GMT
Topic: Exploring Experience of Romantic Relationships and Sexuality Education in Young People
My name is Magdalena Smusz, I am a PhD researcher at the University of Salford. I am conducting a research project which explores sexuality knowledge and experiences of romantic relationships in adolescents and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a dual diagnosis (ASD co-occurring with ADHD). However, I am also recruiting neurotypical individuals (who are not diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental conditions [to serve as a comparison group]).
We know from the existing literature that many young people with ASD struggle with building and maintaining romantic relationships; we also know that the current sex education provided in schools/colleges is not always appropriate for all young people with ASD. Additionally, some caregivers feel ill-equipped to discuss sexual topics with their children with ASD. Also, due to difficulties with social interactions, these young people do not often learn about sex topics from their peers.
Furthermore, the current literature also highlights that young people with ADHD and a dual diagnosis (ASD co-occurring with ADHD) also encounter challenges with building their romantic relationships. However, there is a gap in research on their attitudes towards sex education, whether it is helpful for them or not.
This current project's main aim is to understand what these young people think about the existing sex education and whether they would like to receive support (if so, what kind) to enhance their skills at building romantic relationships. We also would like to know whether caregivers and educators would like to receive support to feel more equipped at discussing sex topics with the youth with ASD, ADHD, ASD co-occurring with ADHD. We are asking these young people, their caregivers, and educators (via online surveys, please see below) about their views on the topic to gather data.
Based on the findings, we will make recommendations, if, for example, results show that current sex educational resources are not appropriate for young people with ASD, ADHD, ASD co-occurring with ADHD, we could then recommend providing changes to the current sex education by, for example, making it specifically tailored for the youth. This then might help some people with ASD, ADHD and ASD co-occurring with ADHD to enhance their skills at building romantic relationships and ultimately it may make them be happier in their relationships and increase their overall well-being.
The study has received ethical approval from the University of Salford Research, Enterprise and Engagement Ethical Approval Panel.
YOU MAY QUALIFY IF:
• You are between 18-25 years old and are a neurotypical young adult (which means you are not diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental condition) or you have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, or ASD co-occurring with ADHD.
• You are a caregiver or of an individual between 13-25 years old who is a neurotypical person (which means they are not diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental condition) or they have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, or ASD co-occurring with ADHD.
• You are an educational professional (teacher, learning support, learning mentor, pastoral role, teaching assistant etc.) of individuals between 13-25 years old who are neurotypical (which means they are not diagnosed with any neurodevelopmental condition) or have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, or ASD co-occurring with ADHD.
PARTICIPATION INVOLVES:
Completing an online survey (it may take 15-30 minutes). There are 3 kinds of surveys, one per group:
Online surveys:
1.Education Professionals
salford.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sexuality-education-and-romantic-relationships-education-2
2. Caregivers
salford.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/exploring-sexuality-knowledge-and-romantic-relationships-i-3
3. Young People
salford.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/sexuality-education-and-romantic-relationships-in-young-pe
Open date: 19th February 2021; Closing date: 31st August 2021
This study has received no funding.
For more information, please contact the prior researcher:
Magdalena Smusz PhD Candidate (M.P.Smusz@edu.salford.ac.uk)
Alternatively, you may contact the supervisors: Dr Clare Allely (c.s.allely@salford.ac.uk), and Dr Amy Bidgood (a.bidgood@salford.ac.uk)
Please take part in this very important survey! Your voices are vital!
Thank you very much!