How does the school community understand inclusion?
Please read the below information regarding research that you may wish to participate in:
Esther Mercado-Garrido as part of her Ph.D. research at the University of Galway is currently undertaking a research project under the supervision of Dr Anne O’Connor and Dr Aoife McTiernan. The research title is “How does the School Community Understand Inclusion?”
This research project will explore how the school community understands inclusion, especially regarding the inclusion of autistic adolescents. The key questions that the project explores are:
• How do autistic adolescents define inclusion?
• How could we make the school a more enjoyable experience for autistic adolescents?
Esther would like to interview autistic adolescents. Interviews will be conducted in a location that suits all the participants. The entire duration of interviews will be a maximum of 1 hour. Anonymity will be protected at all times.
The researchers want the interview to be a comfortable experience so they will contact you and your parents/legal guardians beforehand to ask you about if you would like to have any accommodations during the interview (e.g. asking about your preferred method of communication and sensory supports if any). You can also decide if you want a family member to be present during the interview or if you prefer to answer the questions on your own. They will also send you a list with questions before the interview.
To participate in this study you are required to be:
- Between the age of 12 and 18
- Have an official diagnosis of Autism
However, if you are between 12-18 and do not have a diagnosis of Autism and would like to give your opinion on the matter! Please, contact the main researcher (e.mercadogarrido1@universityofgalway.ie) so she can give you more information.
Participating in this study is completely voluntary. Choosing not to take part will not have any consequences. You can also change your mind about taking part in the study even after commencement.
You can find further information about the process, as well as consent forms here.
If you would like to get further information, please, contact the main researcher, Esther Mercado-Garrido, via email: e.mercadgarrido1@universityofgalway.ie
