Disentangling the adult diagnosis of Autism and behavioural phenotype in assigned female at birth individuals.
Please read the below information regarding research that you may wish to participate in:
Jennifer O’Donoghue is working towards her PhD in psychology at Trinity College Dublin and is conducting a research study on disentangling the adult diagnosis of Autism and behavioural phenotype in assigned female at birth individuals. This research is supervised by Dr Olive Healy (Trinity College Dublin) and aims to examine the gender differences in age of diagnosis and presentation of autism in an adult population.
This study aims to explore the gender differences in the presentation of autism and the barriers which prevent individuals from receiving an autism diagnosis in early childhood. Existing research has identified the benefits of an early autism diagnosis such as improved quality of life because of better access to services/supports and more positive self-identities. Generally, when compared with cisgender males, individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at an increased risk of remaining undiagnosed, because of masking or other factors which may disguise or “camouflage” behaviours. This research will explore the impacts of individual resilience and co-occurring diagnoses on age of diagnosis and autism presentation, and whether this explains the ‘gender gap’ in autism diagnoses.
Jennifer is seeking adult participants (18 years of age or older) with a diagnosis of autism or who suspect that they may be autistic to complete a short anonymous online survey which will take approximately 15 minutes. The survey includes questions about your demographics, namely your gender identity, approximate age of diagnosis (if received) and the age bracket which you are currently in (e.g., 30-39, 40-49 etc.), as well as measuring individual resilience and your attitudes towards eating. The survey also includes a series of standardised measures which aimed to identify if specific co-occurring conditions may be present, including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), depression, and anxiety.
For further information please email Jennifer at odonogje@tcd.ie or you can gain access to the information sheet and the questionnaire at https://tcdecon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBHECTh0u705Be6
