Enrollment is now open!
About COMPAAS
Understanding how Autistic adults get out in the community is crucial, yet research in this area is lacking. Our study is dedicated to bridging the data gap and fostering a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by autistic adults. This research not only seeks to illuminate their experiences but also helps build the case for Autistic people's inclusion in the community.
Our innovative approach combines traditional and technological methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of Autistic adults' mobility and participation in the community.
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Face-to-face interviews (in-person or remote) to capture personal experiences and perspective
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Smartphone-based Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking to collect location (see "How we protect your privacy" below)
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"In-the-moment" surveys to collect immediate experiences, social interactions and feelings
We focus on recruiting a diverse sample consisting of 80 Autistic adults living in the Philadelphia area.
Enrollment is open! Click here to let us know you are interested!
Who can participate?
We are seeking interested and motivated individuals who are:
18 years or older
Have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis
Can communicate in English (spoken, written, or symbol-based AAC)
Currently not in high school
Live in the Philadelphia area
Why Participate?
Help researchers understand how environmental factors affect Autistic adults
Advance community efforts tailored to Autistic adults' needs
Help us learn how communities can be more accessible and inclusive.
How we protect your privacy
01
We separate your name, address, and other identifiable information from your survey and GPS data.
03
We restrict data access to authorized personnel only.
02
All identifiable information is secured in an encrypted drive.
04
We clearly inform all participants about what data is collected, how it will be used, and who will have access to it.
Study Procedure and Compensation
All participants will be guided through the easy setup process. Phones and data plans can be provided if needed
Another way of looking at the Study Procedure & Compensation:
1
Enrollment Interview
Day 1
This includes informing eligible potential participants of the study procedures, risks, and obligations.
If the individual is eligible and wants to participate in the study, they will provide informed consent during this meeting.
Finally, researchers will provide consented participants with instructions on setting up the GPS tracking app.
Compensation:
$20 by direct deposit
2
14 Day GPS Tracking
Days 2-15
This study phase lasts two weeks (14 days).
Participants must carry their phones/devices at all times. Participants will be prompted to complete a brief survey sent to their phone/device 4 times a day, 3 hours apart.
Compensation:
$38 max by direct deposit
(50 cents X 56 surveys = $28;
additional $10 for completing 45 surveys)
3
Exit Interview
Day 16
Complete an exit interview with research staff in person or virtually.
Return the study phone if provided.
Compensation:
$40 by direct deposit
($20 for completing the interview
+ $20 for using own phone or returning study phone)
Who is doing this study and why?
We're a team of social scientists, psychologists, autistic self advocates, and public health researchers from Drexel University and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to deepen the understanding of Autistic individuals' experiences in our communities. We believe that by exploring their daily interactions and challenges, we can uncover meaningful insights that have long been overlooked.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the study?
If you have questions about the survey, please contact compaas@drexel.edu.